"And you won't be offended?"
"I won't be offended." Clodagh's voice sounded a little dry.
"Well, then—oh, really, it's very stupid! Perhaps I'd better not."
Clodagh rose quietly from the divan and walked to the mantelpiece.
"Please tell me," she said.
At her tone, her hostess ceased to dally. She struck a match and raised the cigarette to her lips.
"Well," she said, with another little apologetic laugh, "I think Walter has always imagined you a very pretty, very fascinating—little fool!"
There was another silence—very short but very tense. Lady Frances laid down her cigarette unlighted, and blew out the match.
"Mrs. Milbanke, you don't mind?"
Clodagh laughed—suddenly and almost loudly.