"This testimonial is most gratifying," said Miss Leslie. "Do you like my furs?"
Montagu surveyed her critically. He had a real eye for form and tone; and he nodded approval.
"Yes," he said; "they suit you perfectly. And that bunch of violets adds just the right touch of subdued colour."
"Thank you," said Miss Leslie meekly.
Montagu sat down on the other side of the hearth.
"However," he said importantly, "I believe I am correct in supposing that you did not come here to show me your clothes." (In this he was not so correct as he thought.) "I understand you wish to have my opinion on some matter."
"Yes," said Miss Leslie. "It is a matter which I could confide to no one but a very old and very trustworthy friend."
"Quite so, quite so," said Montagu, much gratified, but a little staggered. For the last twenty years he had rarely encountered the lady before him for more than five minutes without becoming embroiled with her in a skirmish of some description; and pitched battles had been not infrequent.
"I want to ask what you think, Montagu," continued Miss Leslie. "You are one of the few people I know whom I would describe as a true man of the world."
Montagu Falconer began to purr gently.