"Now I have time, G.—to hear how it fares with Läo. How did you escape—with dignity—or rather in disgrace?"
"She believes she threw me over; it is extremely fortunate. Beatrice was an invaluable help." Mr. Strobridge put some chutney in his curry. "Läo and I are the greatest friends—she feels that I fought hard with my inclinations and made a noble conquest—by absenting myself in Egypt! Now she is greatly amused with a Hussar boy at home on leave from India—she must be older than one thought."
His aunt laughed delightedly.
"It is a bad sign certainly. Läo is ageless, though, anything between twenty-eight and forty-five. We stay like that for years and then suddenly grow ridiculous! I believe you have extricated me from the appearance of that at all events, G. My new toupée has given me a new perspective."
"You are quite beautiful now, Seraphim."
"My golden ones were a habit. It has been a source of great gratification to me to watch how my friends have taken the alteration—even Miss Bush made a faint exclamation when she first saw it!"
"She is usually very self-contained."
"G., that girl is a wonder—have you anything to tell me about her?"
"Nothing except that I agree with you that she is the most naturally intelligent creature I have ever met."
"Are you in love with her, dear boy?"