‘Are you poor, Otho? Have you been losing money?’
‘What a question to ask! If you inquired whether I’d got any money left to lose, it would be more to the point.’
‘I am very sorry to hear it. Are you going already?’ For he had risen.
‘Yes, I arranged with a fellow to meet me at home at eight, and it’s nearly that now.’
‘I shall see you to-morrow?’
‘I shall be busy in the day, but at night—yes, I’ll come and dine with you, Eleanor. What time?’
‘Seven, Otho; but come as soon as you like, and I’ll invite Magdalen to spend the evening too.’
‘Magdalen!’ He looked startled, as he had done on a former occasion, and not too well pleased. Then he said, with an attempt at indifference—
‘Oh, all right. That will be the best way.’
He departed, and as it was not too late, Eleanor sent a note by that night’s post, telling Miss Wynter that Otho was over, and would dine with her the following evening. Would she (Magdalen) join them and spend the evening?