“You are exempt from all penalties to-night,” she said. Then she turned to greet the members of his party who had strolled across from the window in his wake.
As she moved aside Bramfell looked at Loder. “Well, Chilcote, have you dipped into the future yet?” he asked, with a laugh.
Loder echoed the laugh but said nothing. In his uncertainty at the question he reverted to his old resource of silence.
Bramfell raised his eyebrows. “What!” he said. “Don't tell me that my sister-in-law hasn't engaged you as a victim.” Then he turned in Eve's direction. “You've heard of our new departure, Mrs. Chilcote?”
Eve looked round from the lively group by which she was surrounded. “Lillian's crystal-gazing? Why, of course!” she said. “She should make a very beautiful seer. We are all quite curious.”
Bramfell pursed up his lips. “She has a very beautiful tent at the end of the conservatory. It took five men as many days to rig it up. We couldn't hear ourselves talk, for hammering. My wife said it made her feel quite philanthropic, it reminded her so much of a charity bazaar.”
Everybody laughed; and at the same moment Blessington came quickly across the room and joined the group.
“Hallo!” he said. “Anybody seen Witcheston? He's next on my list for the crystal business.”
Again the whole party laughed, and Bramfell, stepping forward, touched Blessington's arm in mock seriousness.
“Witcheston is playing bridge, like a sensible man,” he said. “Leave him in peace, Bobby.”