“Are we?” said Miss Grison shortly. “Perhaps we are. How are you getting along with that book on precious stones, may I ask?”
“You may,” said Sorley blandly. “I am getting on slowly but surely. It has taken me years to gather material.”
“Precious stones, I suppose.”
“Certain gems of small value amongst other material, such as legends and superstitions connected with jewels. It will be an interesting book.”
“I’m sure it will,” said Miss Grison more graciously, “but don’t work too hard at it. You are fond of exercise?”
“Yes, I take a great deal.”
“Ah, Selina Millington told me that you had bought a motor bicycle.”
“Yes,” said Sorley stiffly and still laboriously polite. “I ride it round the country.”
“And up to London?”
“No,” he replied swiftly. “I have not yet travelled on it to town.”