Gore laughed, but without offence.
"Not of treasures, perhaps, but with experience and observation, surely any one can become a judge of men—and women."
Clodagh forced herself to smile.
"You disapprove of women?"
"Disapprove! Indeed, no!"
But here Barnard interposed with one of his suave gestures.
"He only disapproves of the modern woman, Mrs. Milbanke!"
Gore turned to him good-humouredly.
"Wrong, Barnard!" he said. "I admire the modern woman—the truly modern woman. It is the society woman—of any period—that I lose patience with."
Barnard smiled.