For a fraction of a second the two young men hesitated. Then the foremost bowed and passed on.
“I am exceedingly sorry,” he said. “Pray accept my apologies.”
“And mine,” murmured his companion, with the smile still lingering upon his lips.
They took their places at a distant table. Anna sat quite still for a moment, and then the colour suddenly returned to her cheeks. She laughed softly, and leaned across the table.
“Do not look so uncomfortable, both of you,” she begged. “Those young men startled me at first, because they knew my name. I am quite sure though that they did not mean to be rude.”
“Impudent beggars,” Sydney growled. “I never wanted to kick any one so much in my life as that second fellow.”
“I think,” Anna said, “that it was only his manner. Do look at this tragedy in mauve, who has just come in. What can she be? The wife of a country tradesman, or a duchess? And such a meek little husband too. What can she have done to deserve such a fate? Oh!”
They both turned round at Anna’s exclamation. A familiar figure was making his way towards them. Sydney sprang up.
“Why, it’s David!” he exclaimed. “Hullo!”
Courtlaw, haggard, his deep-set eyes more brilliant than ever, took Anna’s hand into his, and breathed a little close drawn sigh of content. He was introduced to Brendon, and a chair was brought by an attentive waiter. He declined supper, but took wine.