"Ah! then that makes it much more pleasant for all concerned."
But though he spoke thus, there was on his face a look that showed he was not over-pleased to learn that the truth had become known.
"You may rely upon our secrecy," added Beatrice, thinking to put him at his ease.
"I trust so," replied Ivar, coldly.
He took a seat beside Lorelie, and proceeded to roll a cigarette, remarking as he did so, "You do not object?"
Lorelie assented with a smile that evoked the jealousy of the foolish Idris. If a woman may not smile upon her husband, upon whom may she smile?
Concluding that he and Beatrice were better away, Idris now arose, but Lorelie opposed their departure.
"Going after so short a stay?" she remonstrated. "Now you are here you must remain for the evening, and—and Mr. Breakspear as well," she added, glancing at Idris.
Her manner was so persuasive that the two visitors lacked courage to refuse the invitation. Thinking, however, that the viscount and his wife might wish to exchange confidences, Idris offered his arm to Beatrice and invited her to a stroll through the grounds that surrounded the villa.