“Thank you, sir.”
Just after this parting, Gilbert fell in with Mrs. Briggs and Randolph.
“Good-evening, Mrs. Briggs,” he said, politely. “Good-evening, Randolph. Where were you sitting? I did not see you.”
“We saw you,” said Randolph. “You were nearly in front of us.”
“Did Mr. Vivian invite you to come?” asked Mrs. Briggs, coldly.
“Yes, madam.”
“You are making the most of your chance meeting with them.”
There was something unpleasant in her tone, and Gilbert detected it.
“They have been very kind and polite to me,” he answered, in a reserved tone.
“I would not advise you to presume upon it too far,” continued Mrs. Briggs.