"Certainly. You will find Lady Canvey delightful, and as pre-historic as you can wish. We may meet after dinner," and, with a nod, she left the winter garden for the purpose of seeking solitude. She wanted to think over Jim's iniquities, and to consider what use might be made of them for her own benefit.
Lady Canvey was delighted to receive Askew, as she liked handsome young men, especially when they were deferential and attentive, as this new acquaintance appeared to be. "Though I'm a bad substitute for Lady Jim," she remarked pleasantly. "Lady Jim?"
"That charming creature with whom you have been talking."
"Yes, of course, Lady Canvey. She is indeed charming."
"But private property. Her husband is the Duke's second son, at present in the clutches of that little harpy, Mrs. Penworthy. Don't you make love to Lady Jim, or you'll burn your fingers. I mistrust red-haired women, myself. But she and Jim match each other capitally. Their marriage was made in heaven;" and Lady Canvey chuckled.
"Is her husband here?" asked Askew, looking round, anxious to see who owned Circe-of-the-many-wiles.
"No; he went out with Mrs. Penworthy a quarter of an hour ago."
Askew remembered how Lady Jim had drawn his attention to an outgoing couple. "Didn't the lady go out with a Mr. Berring?" he gasped.
"No; with Lord Jim Kaimes!"
"And she--his wife--the lady I----" Askew stopped with a groan.