“Mrs. Carew,” he said in a pleasant voice, speaking almost faultless English, “after all these years. What a pleasure!”
He shook hands, turning at the same time to the others.
“And Sid,” he said, “and Molly—wicked little Molly. Never mind—your antecedents are safe. I am silent as the grave.”
This was not strictly true. He was as deep, and deeper than the resting-place mentioned, but his method was superior to silence.
“And Hilda,” he continued, “thoughtful little Hilda, who was always too busy to be naughty. Not like Molly, eh?”
“Heavens! How old it makes one feel!” he exclaimed, turning to Mrs. Carew.
The lady laughed.
“You are not changed, at all events,” she said. “Allow me to introduce Mr. Bodery—the Vicomte d'Audierne.”
The two men bowed.
“Much pleasure,” said the Frenchman.