Moira knew what was in his mind. While she had been ill, her husband had not been at home.
“Well,” she confessed lightly, “ill is not strictly true. I’ve been just out of sorts. I had some news, but it doesn’t matter.”
“Good. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Particularly, as Nana tells me, you’re expecting a guest to-morrow.”
“Yes, an old friend, a Mr. Blaydon. An old schoolmate, really, who has been very kind to us.”
“I wonder if you wouldn’t bring him and Mr. Harlindew to dinner to-morrow night? I shall be delighted to have you all; and as for Nana, she suggested it herself.”
Miles had always been included in Osprey’s formal invitations, whether present or not, and had, in fact, attended once and contributed not unpleasantly to the evening.
“I’m afraid I can’t promise for my husband,” said Moira slowly.
“H’m. That’s too bad. But I can count on you and your friend, Mr. Blaydon, anyway?”
“I should love to bring him,” she replied and paused.... It was better, she thought, to have matters understood.... “My husband ... won’t come back here,” she went on. “He has left me.”
“It was that,” he asked kindly, “the news you had?”