“Nonsense! Hammersmith? I never heard of such a place. What should you do there? You will live in London—near me—n’est-ce pas?”
“I have work to do. I must keep out of society for the present. You—”
“Listen! For the present, I keep out of society also. I am incognito. No one knows I am here; no one will know till the time comes. We shall keep each other’s secrets. But we cannot converse here. Get in here beside me, and on the way I will tell you ... something! Come.”
“You are very kind, but I have made my arrangements; and, besides, I am engaged to walk with this gentleman. If you will tell me where I may pay my respects to you and Monsieur le Marquis—”
“You are very stupid! I shall tell you nothing unless you come into the carriage. Monsieur le Marquis is not here—he never will be here. I am ... well you need not stare so. What do you suppose I am, then?”
“You are very mysterious.”
“I am nothing of the sort. I am ... a widow. There!”
Philip Lancaster lifted his eyebrows and bowed.
“What does that mean?” demanded the Marquise sharply; “that you congratulate me?”
“By no means, Madame.”