�I don�t recognize it,� he said. �Unless you make me—� he added, with a note that slightly stirred her attitude of languid attention.

She turned to him with grave eyes. �You recognize no difference whatever?�

�None—except an added link in the chain.�

�An added link?�

�In having one more thing to like you for—your letting Miss Gaynor see why I had already so many.� He flattered himself that this turn had taken the least hint of fatuity from the phrase.

Mrs. Vervain sank into her former easy pose. �Was it that you came for?� she asked, almost gaily.

�If it is necessary to have a reason—that was one.�

�To talk to me about Miss Gaynor?�

�To tell you how she talks about you.�

�That will be very interesting—especially if you have seen her since her second visit to me.�