'By Jove, that is more than I can tell you!' said Desmond, with another quiet laugh, as he tossed his cigar away; 'I only know that as I lounged slowly past the arbour where the marble statue stands, about ten minutes ago, I saw her in close proximity—quite a confabulation—with a fellow, though I did not hear their voices; doubtless they were "low and sweet," like that of Annie Laurie.'
Was this assertion a piece of Desmond's impudence, or the result of the baronet's champagne? his idea of wit, fun, or what?
Jerry Vane felt his face first redden and then grow pale with fury in the dark.
'You must be mistaken,' he said, sternly—almost imperiously.
'Not at all, Vane,' replied the other; 'I passed on without affecting to perceive them; but I could make out that the fellow who hung over her as she sat at the table was not one of the guests—very pale, with a black, lanky moustache.'
'Oh, it is impossible!' urged Vane in a very strange voice.
'Not at all, I tell you,' replied Desmond, in a somewhat nettled tone. 'I simply amused myself with the fun of the thing. I heard a sound, and on looking up saw her start up, look at her watch, and then hurry—almost rush——'
'This way?'
'Oh, no!'
'Whither, then?'