He glanced at his watch.
“I am afraid,” he said, rising, “that I must deny myself the pleasure of seeking the Marchioness again today. I have a train to catch in half an hour. You are ready?”
“Quite!”
They made their way through the maze of tables towards the door, Lady Ruth exchanging greetings right and left with her friends, although the tall, grave-looking man who followed her was by far the greater object of interest.
“Just like Ruth to keep him in her pocket,” remarked her dearest friend, looking after them; “they say that he has millions.”
She sighed a little enviously.
“The Barrington menage needs a little backing up,” her companion remarked. “I should say that he had come just in time. The Marchioness has her eye upon him too. There may be some fun presently.”
Lady Ruth’s dearest friend smiled.
“I will back Ruth,” she said drily. “Emily is beautiful, but she is too obvious, and too eager! Ruth’s little ways are more subtle. Besides, look at the start she has. She isn’t the sort of woman men tire of.”
Lady Ruth held out her hand through the window of her electric coupe.