Lady Larch wondered what the world was coming to.
Lady Augusta declared that no woman yet ever fathomed the heart of man.
Lady Sara maintained that it was a very good thing for both young men to have had such reverses before they finally settled down.
At this Lady Augusta forgot to sigh, and Lady Larch lost control of her smile.
“How,” exclaimed Augusta, “can they forget so soon? Can any settling down be in contemplation? Are no deep, sacred feelings left?”
Emmeline Larch, who was a widow, said she would never be hard on any one who tried to recover, for the sake of others, from a shattering bereavement.
“Dear Lady Larch!” exclaimed Sara.
The three women formed a picturesque group round the fireplace as the men entered. But the card-tables were already placed, and Sara lost no time in arranging a quartette for whist. Penborough had to leave for the Times office. Pole-Knox had to hurry back to Fulham. The young lady, who was known to detest all games, was thus able to choose Robert for her partner in a short conversation.
“Forgive me,” said she, “but—have you anything to tell me about Mrs. Parflete?”