People wondered they had not married sooner, since, of course, everybody knew it must end in marriage.
Susie shrugged her pretty shoulders, and flashed her diamond necklace at the company.
"The sweet thing is exaltée. She is one of Francis Symeon's flock; and she thought respect for her husband obliged her to wait two years. She only left off her mourning last week."
"But considering that she was carrying on with Rutherford years before Provana's death?"
"You none of you understand her. Their friendship was purely platonic. She and I were like sisters, and I was in and out of her house just as Claude was. There never was a more innocent attachment. I used to call them Paul and Virginia."
"I should think Paolo and Francesca would be more like it," murmured one of the company.
Susie shook her fan at him.
"You men will never believe in a virtuous friendship. However, there they are—absolutely devoted to each other. They will be the happiest couple in London, and they mean to entertain a great deal."
"Then I hope they are on the look-out for a pearl among chefs. People won't go to Portland Place to eat second-rate dinners."