"Of course she is!" said Lady Agnes knowingly.
"Her charming appearance is half the battle"—Nick explained a little coldly what he meant. But he felt his coldness an inadequate protection to him when he heard his companion observe with something of the same sapience:
"A woman's always effective when she likes a person so much."
It discomposed him to be described as a person liked, and so much, and by a woman; and he simply said abruptly: "When are you going away?"
"The first moment that's civil—to-morrow morning. You'll stay on I hope."
"Stay on? What shall I stay on for?"
"Why you might stay to express your appreciation."
Nick considered. "I've everything to do."
"I thought everything was done," said Lady Agnes.
"Well, that's just why," her son replied, not very lucidly. "I want to do other things—quite other things. I should like to take the next train," And he looked at his watch.