Again she coloured.
"It isn't that," she said in a low, quick voice. "James doesn't care about parties—or people——"
Barnard's lips parted to express surprise or sympathy; but she finished her sentence hastily.
"—And of course I like what he likes."
Barnard bent his head.
"Of course," he said enigmatically, and dropped back into silence.
For a time he remained apparently absorbed in his dinner. Then, as Clodagh began to wonder uncomfortably whether she had unwittingly offended him, he turned to her again.
"Mrs. Milbanke," he said softly, "would you think me very presumptuous if I were to make a little proposal?"
Clodagh brightened.
"Of course not! Say anything you like."