Alison was conscious of a slight irritation, which, indeed, any reference to the girl in question usually aroused in her.
"Then," she said, "if Lucy has any say in the matter you are scarcely likely to do any further business with the family."
Nevis raised his eyebrows.
"I wonder what you mean?"
"Only that it's generally supposed Miss Calvert was to have married Winthrop. Whether she still intends to do so is more than I know."
She was puzzled by the sudden intentness of the man's face and for no particular cause half regretted the speech.
"It's the first time I've heard of it," he said thoughtfully. Then he smiled. "Anyway, she can't be very wise if she's anxious to marry him."
Alison, who had watched him closely, fancied that his smile was meant to cover his interest in the information she had given him. She also noticed how quickly he changed the subject, and they talked about other matters until at last, as Farquhar did not make his appearance, he stood up.
"I'll look in another time," he told her. "It's getting late, and I'm due at the bluff to-night."
Soon after he had driven away Farquhar turned up with his wife and Thorne, and Alison noticed the frown on the latter's face when she informed Mrs. Farquhar of Nevis's visit.