Clodagh turned without enthusiasm, and looked at the loose figure and unkempt hair of the scientist.
"I do not think you and my—my wife have met, Mr. Tomes!" Milbanke broke in with a nervous attempt at geniality.
Mr. Tomes bowed.
"No; but I have many times seen Mrs. Milbanke," he said ponderously.
Clodagh bent her head, noting with the fastidious intolerance of youth that his clothes were baggy and his hands unclean.
Milbanke gave a nervous, conciliatory laugh.
"I—I have noticed that great men are always observant," he said jocularly.
Mr. Tomes smiled.
"That is scarcely a compliment to Mrs. Milbanke," he interposed consciously.
Clodagh looked up and met his eyes.