"Ah, then you don't know what people are capable of in the way of cruelty, Mr. Beecot."
"I don't want to know," retorted Paul, finding the subject distasteful and wondering why the actress pressed it, as she undoubtedly did. "I prefer to write stories to elevate the mind."
Miss Qian made a grimace and shot a meaning look at him. "It doesn't pay," she said, tittering, "and money is what we all want."
"I fear I don't care for money overmuch."
"No," said Mrs. Krill to him in an undertone, "I know that from the way you spoke in Mr. Pash's office."
"I was standing up for the rights of another."
"You will be rewarded," she replied meaningly, but what she did mean Paul could not understand.
The rest of the dinner passed off well enough, as the subject was changed. Lord George began to talk of racing, and Hay responded. Mrs. Krill alone seemed shocked. "I don't believe in gambling," she said icily.
"I hope you are not very down on it," said Hay. "Lord George and I propose to play bridge with you ladies in the next room."