"It's all incomprehensible," Sophy declared wearily.
There was a ring at the front door. Louise, from her place, could see the long, gray bonnet of John's car. Almost before she could speak, he was announced.
"It's an atrocious time to come, I know—" he began apologetically.
"You're in time for some coffee, anyhow," Sophy told him cheerfully. "And I know Louise is glad to see you, because if you hadn't come I was going to make her go through some accounts."
"You know I am always glad to see you," Louise murmured, pointing to a chair. "Sophy and I have been having a most interesting discussion, but we have come to a cul-de-sac."
"I really came," John explained, "to ask if you cared to come and see a collection of pictures. There's an Italian—a Futurist, of course—just unpacked his little lot and set them up over a curiosity-shop in Clifford Street. He is sending out cards for next week, but I could take you to-day—that is, if you would care about it. We can go somewhere for some tea afterward."
Louise made a little grimace.
"What bad luck!" she exclaimed.
She stopped short. She felt that by her hesitation she had, in a sense, committed herself.
"I have promised to go and have tea with the prince at Seyre House," she said. "It is an engagement we made last week."