“No person of noble birth,” Julian reminded him, “has the slightest chance of working effectively in Russia to-day. Besides, Miss Abbeway is half English. Failing Russia, she would naturally select this as the country in which she could do most good.”
Some retort seemed to fade away upon the other’s lips. His shaggy eyebrows were drawn a little closer together as he glanced towards the door. Julian followed the direction of his gaze. Catherine had entered and was looking around as though in search of some one.
Catherine was more heavily veiled than usual. Her dress and hat were of sombre black, and her manner nervous and disturbed. She came slowly towards their end of the table, although she was obviously in search of some one else.
“Do you happen to know where Mr. Fenn is?” she enquired.
Julian raised his eyebrows.
“Fenn was here a few minutes ago,” he replied, “but he left us abruptly. I fancy that he rather disapproved of our conversation.”
“He has gone to his room perhaps,” she said. “I will go upstairs.”
She turned away. Julian, however, followed her to the door.
“Shall I see you again before you leave?” he asked.
“Of course—if you wish to.”