"The man cannot maintain himself on the income that sort of office brings him," Lady Gosstre observed.
"Oh, no," said Adela. "I fancy he does it simply for some sort of occupation. One cannot help imagining a disguise."
"Personally I confess to an objection to gentlemen in disguise," said
Lady Gosstre. "Barrett!—do you know the man?"
She addressed Mr. Powys.
"There used to be good quartett evenings given by the Barretts of Bursey," he said. "Sir Justinian Barrett married a Miss Purcell, who subsequently preferred the musical accomplishments of a foreign professor of the Art."
"Purcell Barrett is his name," said Adela. "Our Emilia brought him to us. Where is she? But, where can she be?"
Adela rose.
"She pressed my hand just now," said Lady Gosstre.
"She was here when Captain Gambler quitted the room," Arabella remarked.
"Good heaven!"