Marius coloured.
"She is coming to London in September," he answered manfully. Of all things he loathed speaking of this to his brother. "She has not written to me, but I hardly expected it." He pulled himself up short. "This seems sorry foolery to you, sir."
The Earl's charming smile deepened.
"What did you call her?"
"Aspasia," said Marius, staring in front of him.
"Aspasia! It hath melancholy associations! Well, September is not so far. You must commend me to her when you meet."
Marius rose.
"I will write that letter in the library." He hesitated, then said awkwardly: "Give my duty to my lady your wife. I hope to meet her to-morrow."
My lord still smiled in a manner that seemed to put a measureless distance between them, and as Marius turned to leave the room he walked over to the two ladies in the inner chamber.