"Let's go into the lounge for a few moments," Hunterleys suggested. "I may as well hear all about it."
They made their way downstairs, and sat there talking, or rather Hunterleys listened while Richard talked. Then Draconmeyer strolled across the hall and waited by the lift. Presently he returned with Violet by his side, followed by her maid, carrying rugs. As they approached, Hunterleys rose slowly to his feet. Violet was looking up into her companion's face, talking and laughing. She either did not see Hunterleys, or affected not to. He stood, for a moment, irresolute. Then, as she passed, she glanced at him quite blankly and waved her hand to Richard. The two disappeared. Hunterleys resumed his seat. He had, somehow or other, the depressing feeling of a man who has lost a great opportunity.
"Lady Hunterleys looks well this morning," Lane remarked, absolutely unconscious of anything unusual.
Hunterleys watched the car drive off before he answered.
"She looks very well," he assented gloomily.
CHAPTER XX
WILY MR. DRACONMEYER
They had skirted the wonderful bay and climbed the mountainous hill to the frontier before Violet spoke. All the time Draconmeyer leaned back by her side, perfectly content. A man of varied subtleties, he understood and fully appreciated the intrinsic value of silence. Whilst the Customs officer, however, was making out the deposit note for the car, she turned to him.
"Will you tell me something, Mr. Draconmeyer?"