Her moment of weakness was over. She flashed one wonderful smile at him and rose to her feet.
"It is agreed," she declared. "When I need help—and it may be at any moment—I shall call upon you."
"I shall be honored," he assured her, gravely. "In the meantime, please tell me—are we to speak of this to Rosario?"
"Leave it to me," she begged. "I cannot explain to you what all this means, but I think that Mr. Rosario can take care of himself. We must go back now to the bridge-room. My husband is annoyed with me for coming away again."
Mr. Weatherley met them in the passage. He was distinctly irritable.
"My dear Fenella!" he exclaimed. "Your guests do not understand your absence. Mr. Rosario is most annoyed and I cannot imagine what is the matter with Starling. I am afraid that he and Rosario have had words."
She turned her head as she passed, and smiled very slightly.
"I have no concern," she said, "in the quarrel between Mr. Starling and Mr. Rosario. As for the others—Mr. Chetwode and I are quite ready for bridge now. We are going in to do our duty."