“It was about twelve o’clock—certainly not later. And you know I can’t sleep if I go to bed early.”
“I didn’t know Carter did business in the evenings. He always used to boast of keeping his evenings clear for enjoying himself.”
“Yes, and he had promised Helen to be in. But he said it was a very particular engagement. At some Club or other, I believe. He was seeing Sir John Bunnery about some legal business. When he came in he was dead tired, and went straight to bed.”
“Marian, do you like Carter?” Joan asked suddenly. “It seems funny I never asked you that before. I hate him.”
“My dear, you mustn’t say that. Of course I like him. I don’t mean I care for Carter like some other people; but of course I like him. Helen is a darling.”
“That means you don’t like him at all—only you’re too nice to say so.”
“I do like him, Joan. At least, I mean I don’t dislike him.”
“He seems to leave Helen alone a great deal.”
“Far too much, and he’s often out until all hours.”
“He even went out again after the dinner here last Tuesday, didn’t he?”