"Lethbridge has heard that you two are here together and he is on your track. Better separate."
She passed on. The two men strolled away.
"Have you any personal feeling against me, Tallente?" Horlock asked.
"None whatever," his companion assured him. "You did me the best turn in your life when you left me stranded after Hellesfield."
Horlock sighed.
"Lethbridge almost insisted, he looked upon you as a firebrand. He said there would be no repose about a Cabinet with you in it."
"Well, it's turned out for the best," Tallente remarked drily. "Au revoir!"
On his way back to the reception rooms, an acquaintance tapped him on the shoulder.
"One moment, Tallente. Lady Alice Mountgarron has asked me to present you."
Tallente bowed before the woman who stood looking at him pleasantly, but a little curiously. She held out her hand.