"Good-bye!" she said—"good-bye! It has been perfectly charming!"
Clodagh smiled a quick response.
"Indeed it has—for me. Don't forget to-morrow night!"
"Forget! Why, I'm existing to see that play! Come, Daisy!" She turned to her daughter, who had joined the group at the tea-table. "Pierce, are you ready? Good-bye, Nance! Come with us to the elevator?"
Nance crossed the room readily, while Estcoit shook hands with Clodagh.
"Good-bye!" he said. "I shall see you to-morrow night—if not sooner."
She pressed his hand warmly. "Make it sooner!" she said. And they both laughed, after the manner of people who understand and like each other.
The momentary departure of Nance, left Clodagh, Gore, and Deerehurst the sole occupants of the room. After Estcoit had closed the door there was a faint pause; and in that pause Clodagh was a prey to conflicting feelings—passionate hope that Deerehurst might see fit to go, passionate fear that Gore might leave before they could have a word in private.
And while her mind swayed between hope and fear, Deerehurst drew forward a chair, and seated himself beside her.
"I shall be interested to know what you think of this!" he said, leaning forward and lifting the book from the arm of her chair, where she had allowed it to lie untouched.