“Exactly,” said Tarlyon. “There are men, Ralph, who would warn Mr. Fall against that woman, whereas we are throwing her into his arms. For we, Ralph, know that no matter how thoroughly he finds her out, as he surely will, he will not cease to adore her; for it is not virtue that men and women love in each other——”
“Quite,” said I, “Good-night.”
V
A week later, there was announced in the Morning Post, which somehow always seems to know about these things, the engagement of Mr. Cyrus Fall to Mrs. Leycester-Craven, widow of Major Leycester-Craven of the ----. The same morning Mr. Fall rang up Lord Tarlyon.
“Pleased if you’d take luncheon with me to-day,” said Mr. Fall.
“Sorry,” said Tarlyon. “Already luncheoning.”
“Cocktail?”
“Well, why not?”
“Ritz, one o’clock?”
“Right,” said Tarlyon.