"News?" she repeated eagerly. "You know I am always interested in that."
"The reports of a German naval victory were not only exaggerated," Lutchester said calmly; "they were untrue. Our own official announcement was clumsy and tactless, but you will find it amplified and explained to-night."
Pamela listened with an interest which bordered upon excitement.
"You are sure?" she exclaimed.
"Absolutely," he replied. "My notification is official."
"So you think if we dined with you, the atmosphere to-night would be different?" she observed, with a sudden attempt at the recondite.
Lutchester looked into her eyes without flinching. Pamela, to her annoyance, was worsted in the momentary duel.
"We cannot always choose our atmosphere," he reminded her.
"Mademoiselle Sonia is perhaps connected with the regulation of the munition supplies from America?"
"Mademoiselle Sonia," Lutchester asserted, "is an old friend of mine.
Apart from that, it was my business to talk to her."