His tone was curt—even contemptuous.
Clodagh flushed. It seemed as if, by a subtle insinuation, he had scorned her.
"And if it was Lord Deerehurst?" she asked sharply.
Gore made an exclamation of contempt.
"You dislike Lord Deerehurst?"
He shrugged his shoulders.
"You dislike Lord Deerehurst?" She was persistent, remembering keenly and uncomfortably the favour she had shown the old peer in his presence the night before.
Gore gave a short, indifferent laugh, and the sound galled her.
"Lord Deerehurst is a friend of mine," she said unwisely.
He bent his head with a stiff movement.