‘No, no. I should be horribly out of my element.’
‘I can’t see why. You would meet all sorts of well-known people; those you ought to have met long ago. Better still, let me ask her to send an invitation for both of you. I’m sure you’d like her, Mrs Reardon. There’s a good deal of humbug about her, it’s true, but some solid qualities as well. No one has a word to say against her. And it’s a splendid advertisement to have her for a friend. She’ll talk about your books and articles till all is blue.’
Amy gave a questioning look at her husband. But Reardon moved in an uncomfortable way.
‘We’ll see about it,’ he said. ‘Some day, perhaps.’
‘Let me know whenever you feel disposed. But about Jedwood: I happen to know a man who reads for him.’
‘Heavens!’ cried Reardon. ‘Who don’t you know?’
‘The simplest thing in the world. At present it’s a large part of my business to make acquaintances. Why, look you; a man who has to live by miscellaneous writing couldn’t get on without a vast variety of acquaintances. One’s own brain would soon run dry; a clever fellow knows how to use the brains of other people.’
Amy listened with an unconscious smile which expressed keen interest.
‘Oh,’ pursued Jasper, ‘when did you see Whelpdale last?’
‘Haven’t seen him for a long time.’