Deyes nodded as he rose to his feet and lounged towards the door with the other men.
“Play bridge?” he asked his companion, as they crossed the hall.
“A little,” the young man answered, “for moderate stakes.”
They entered the drawing-room, and Deyes made his way to a secluded corner, where Lady Peggy sat scribbling alone in a note-book.
“My dear Lady Peggy,” he inquired, “whence this exceptional industry?”
She closed the book and looked up at him with twinkling eyes.
“Well, I didn’t mean to tell a soul until it was finished,” she declared, “but you’ve just caught me. I’ve had such a brilliant idea. I’m going to write a Society Encyclopædia!”
Deyes looked at her solemnly.
“A Society Encyclopædia!” he repeated uncertainly. “’Pon my word, I’m not quite sure that I understand.”