'It is impossible,' he protested. 'Perkins may be away for a week. I shall wait upon you until he returns. It is best.'
'Well, have it your own way,' Lavendale remarked. 'Better answer that bell, then. If it is a lady, show her into the sitting-room.'
Niko glided away and returned in a moment.
'The lady,' he announced, 'is in the sitting-room.'
He held up Lavendale's coat and the latter hastened from the room. Suzanne de Freyne was standing facing the door as he entered, her theatre cloak thrown back. He took her hands.
'You are adorably punctual!' he exclaimed.
'Tell me,' she asked, a little abruptly, 'how long have you had your valet?'
'About five minutes, I believe,' he answered. 'He is a substitute. My own man was taken ill at luncheon-time. Why do you ask?'
'Because he is the first person,' she explained, 'who has succeeded in puzzling me in one particular way since I can remember.'
He looked at her as though for an explanation, and in a moment she continued.