Thus speaking, he drew aside the curtain and reached white hand towards the door behind, but at this moment and before he could touch it, the door swung open and Diana stepped forth.
"Mr. Vere-Manville," said she, her soft voice calm and even, "pray give me my scarf, your wife made me a present of it days ago!" And she reached out her hand with the old, imperious gesture that I remembered so well. So Anthony gave her the handful of lace and turned his back upon us.
"O Perry!" he exclaimed with a groan, "O Perry, dear friend—what have
I done! God forgive me—"
"Heavens, Anthony!" quoth I. "Pray why distress yourself upon a matter so trivial—besides, I knew already. And now, Mr. Trenchard or Haredale or Devereux, if this lady will be so obliging as to retire, we can settle our small concern very comfortably here across the table."
"No, Peregrine!" said Diana in the same even tone.
"Mr. Trenchard—" I began.
"I say you shall not, Peregrine!" said she softly.
"Mr. Haredale—" quoth I.
"O Peregrine," she sighed, "suspicion has poisoned your mind against me or you would never stoop to doubt me—even here—"
"Mr. Devereux," said I, "will you pray have the courtesy to desire your charming friend to leave us awhile—"