"There is nobody like you, Mrs. Darche," said Vanbrugh, accepting the offer. "Thanks."
"They are your especial kind," answered Marion.
"I know they are—that is what I mean. How you spoil me!"
Marion went on.
"Mr. Brown?"
"Yes, thank you. I do smoke sometimes," answered Mr. Brown, hesitating in the matter between his allegiance to Mrs. Willoughby, who disapproved of smoking in the drawing-room, and his duty to his hostess, who encouraged it.
"I hope you always do," said Marion. "When a man does not smoke—Mr. Brett, take one."
She had stopped herself, remembering that her husband had not been a smoker, but Mr. Brown finished the sentence for her with his usual tact.
"Yes," he said, lighting his cigarette, "men who do not smoke always seem to me to be suspicious characters."
"Dolly, try one," said Marion, trying not to hear him.