"What extensive hospitality!" murmured Rooke.
"They're quite nice people," asserted Isobel defiantly.
"Dear lady, they must indeed be overflowing with the milk of human kindness—and Treasury notes."
Isobel's bird-like eyes gleamed maliciously.
"They want to hear Nan play," she persisted.
"And to see me paint?" he suggested ironically.
She ignored his retort and, turning to Nan, appealed to her directly.
"Shan't you come?" she asked bluntly.
"Well, if Maryon wants me to sit for him—" Nan began hesitatingly.
"The sooner the portrait's begun, the sooner it will be finished," interposed Rooke. "Can't you dispense with your fiancée to-morrow, Trenby? . . . But just as you like, of course," he added courteously.