He stood and watched her. "That is so like you," he said, after a moment.
She glanced at him. "What do you mean?"
He laughed lightly, but without mockery. "Your stately silences! Do you know I remember you best by your silences? It is there that you differ from all the rest of your charming sex. Other women, when they are misjudged, clamour for redress. You endure in silence, too proud to complain. I wonder if Jake has realized your silences yet."
Maud stiffened a little. "I must be going," she said. "I promised Bunny I would be back to tea."
"I'll walk back with you," Saltash said.
She shook her head. "No, I would rather go alone."
"Why don't you tackle the situation boldly and ask me to tea?" he said.
She was walking down the long room, and he sauntered beside her, smoking a cigarette, careless and debonair.
"I think it wiser not, Charlie," she said.
He laughed. "As you will. But remember, life is short. We may as well enjoy ourselves, while it lasts. Did old Billings show you up here? He is the one respectable feature of this establishment."