As usual, he could not find the effective or clever thing to say.
"I did not mean to," he replied simply; but Betty, glancing at him, saw something in his face which gripped her heart. A lump rose in her throat.
"Do let's go and find Ermyntrude!" she said.
* * * * *
But Wharton had barely begun his talk with Marcella when a gentleman, on his way to the buffet with a cup to set down, touched him on the arm. Wharton turned in some astonishment and annoyance. He saw a youngish, good-looking man, well known to him as already one of the most important solicitors in London, largely trusted by many rich or eminent persons.
"May I have a word with you presently?" said Mr. Pearson, in a pleasant undertone. "I have something of interest to say to you, and it occurred to me that I might meet you to-night. Excuse my interrupting you."
He glanced with admiration at Marcella, who had turned away.
Wharton had a momentary qualm. Then it struck him that Mr. Pearson's manner was decidedly friendly.
"In a moment," he said. "We might find a corner, I think, in that further room."
He made a motion of the head towards a little boudoir which lay beyond the tea-room.