“Thanks,” she interrupted, “but I don’t want a homily. I am only curious about the man himself.”
Fergusson pulled himself up a little annoyed. He had begun to talk about a subject of peculiar interest to him.
“Oh, the man himself is rather an interesting personality,” he declared. “He is a recluse, a dilettante, and a very brilliant man of letters.”
“I want to know,” the lady said impatiently, “whether he is married.”
“Married! certainly not,” Fergusson assured her.
“Very well, then, I am going there to luncheon with you to-morrow.”
Fergusson looked blank.
“But, my dear girl,” he protested, “how on earth——”
“Don’t be foolish, Reggie,” she said calmly. “It is perfectly natural for me to go! I have been your principal actress for several seasons. I suppose if there is a second woman’s part in the piece, it will be mine, if I choose to take it. You must write and ask Matravers for permission to bring me. You can mention my desire to meet the new actress if you like.”