"Oh dear, not at all," responded Mrs. Veilsturm, lying with the utmost dexterity. "So glad to see you. Au revoir at present."
"I'll call and see if you are better to-morrow," said Dolly, making his adieux with manifest reluctance.
"Delighted! goodbye, Mr. Jiddy! Major?"
Grill took the hint, and ushered Dolly and his friend out of the room before they had time to change their minds, and having seen them safely bestowed in a hansom, returned to Mrs. Veilsturm, whom he found sitting in her old place, frowning savagely at the fireplace. The Major resumed his lounging attitude on the hearthrug, and lighted a cigarette.
"Don't smoke," said Mrs. Veilsturm sharply. "I don't want my drawing-room to smell like a bar."
"There's not much chance of that," retorted the Major coolly, throwing the match into the fireplace, and blowing a cloud of smoke. "No one will come to-night, and those abominable pastilles you are so fond of burning will dissipate the smoke by to-morrow."
Mrs. Veilsturm offered no further remonstrance, but tapped her fan thoughtfully in the palm of her hand. Major Griff watched her in silence for a moment, and then made a polite remark.
"You're a fool, Maraquita."
"And why?"
"Because you're thinking about that young Errington. He's no good to us."