"That is her own matter," he answered.
The fine dark eyebrows went up.
"So—she has not told you?"
He was no match for her, and knew it. He resorted to that directness she employed with such effect.
"What do you want to say to me, madam?"
She leant back, showing her high-heeled shoes under the purple frills. She opened her fan of black and gold, and held it over her mouth.
"What do you want me to say to you?"
Marius made an effort.
"I can think of nothing we have in common."