‘Thanks, I’m very well indeed,’ murmured Alice, rather disconcerted by such politeness.
‘And Mrs. Mutimer? That is well. By-the-by,’ he proceeded to Richard, ‘I have a piece of work in hand that will deeply interest you. I am translating the great treatise of Marx, “Das capital.” It occurs to me that a chapter now and then might see the light in the “Fiery Cross.” How do you view that suggestion?’
Richard did not care to hide his suspicion, and even such an announcement as this failed to move him to cordiality.
‘You might drop a line about it to Mr. Westlake,’ he said.
‘Mr. Westlake? Oh! but I quite understood that you had practically the conduct of the paper.’
Richard again smiled.
‘Mr. Westlake edits it,’ he said.
Mr. Keene waved his hand in sign of friendly intelligence. Then he changed the subject.
‘I ventured to put at Miss Mutimer’s disposal certain tickets I hold—professionally—for the Regent’s Theatre to-night—the dress circle. I have five seats in all. May I have the pleasure of your company, Mr. Mutimer?’
‘I’m only in town for a night,’ Richard replied; ‘and I can’t very well spare the time.’