"Well? But you?"
"I should live every moment of the time, but—sometimes life seems to cost too much."
He held out his hand to her, and she took it very simply. "Promise to come, and you shan't repent it. Mind, you have my word on that." Then he let her go, and they discussed ways and means. She would speak to James; then he should come and dine, and talk it out. Meantime, let him make sure of Vera, and do his best with the Corbets. If they were fixed up, as she thought probable, he might get some other people. Considine might like it. "He's very much at your disposal, let me tell you. You have him at your feet."
So it was settled, and James was attacked in front. She told him as they were driving out to dinner that she had met Mr. Urquhart that afternoon. "I dare say you might," said James. But he had stiffened to attention.
"He blazed upon me a plan for August. I said I would ask you about it."
James said, "H'm. Does it rest with me?"
"Naturally it does. I should not think of any plans without talking to you."
"No, I suppose you wouldn't," said he. Then he asked, "And what does Urquhart want you to do?"
"He doesn't want me, particularly. He wants all three of us."
"I think," said James, "you'll find that he wants you most."