"I was thinking of getting up a little cruise before long," Richard continued. "If so, I hope you'll all join us. Flossie is going to be hostess, and the Montressors are passengers already."
They murmured something non-committal. Lady Hunterleys seemed as though about to pass on but Lane blocked the way.
"I only arrived the other day from Algiers," he went on, making frantic efforts to continue the conversation. "I brought Freddy Montressor and his sister, and Fothergill."
"Mr. Montressor has come to the Hotel de Paris," Lady Hunterleys remarked. "What sort of weather did you have in Algiers?"
"Ripping!" the young man replied absently, entirely oblivious of the fact that they had been driven away by incessant rain. "This place is much more fun, though," he added, with sudden inspiration. "Crowds of interesting people. I suppose you know every one?"
Lady Hunterleys shook her head.
"Indeed I do not. Mr. Draconmeyer here is my guide. He is as good as a walking directory."
"I wonder if either of you know some people named Grex?" Richard asked, with studious indifference.
Mr. Draconmeyer for the first time showed some signs of interest. He looked at their questioner steadfastly.
"Grex," he repeated. "A very uncommon name."