Mary had just finished arranging a card-table when Brooks drew her on one side.
"About that subject!" he began.
"We shall scarcely have time to talk about it now, shall we?" she answered. "You will be wanted to play cards or something. We shall be quite content to leave it to you."
"I should like to talk it over with you," he said. "Do tell me when I may see you."
She sat down, and he stood by her chair. "Really, I don't know," she answered. "Perhaps I shall be at home when you pay your duty call."
"Come and have some tea at Mellor's with me to-morrow."
She seemed not to hear him. She had caught Mrs. Seventon's eye across the room, and rose to her feet.
"You have left Mrs. Seventon alone all the evening," she said. "I must go and talk to her."
He stood before her—a little insistent.
"I shall expect you at half-past four," he said.