He cast a swift glance at Clodagh.
But Clodagh, still annoyed with him, and with herself—still puzzled by Gore's attitude—lifted her head sharply.
"At least," she said, "we can be sure that the present is genuine."
Gore turned and looked at her.
"Are you quite sure of that, Mrs. Milbanke?" he asked quietly. "Don't you think there is trickery and deception in the manufacture of many things besides the antique?"
Her glance faltered.
"I have seen a lot of unauthentic relics," she said with a touch of obstinacy.
"And I, a lot of unauthentic life."
He looked at her with a slight smile. The smile stung her unreasonably.
"Some people can never become connoisseurs," she retorted quickly.