Harry exchanged glances with the actor. He said, dryly--
"I am willing. If I am allowed to--say, run abroad, or remove myself into the country well out of reach, until, at any rate, the play's produced, I am content to let Winton do just as he pleases."
"I doubt if that would meet Mrs. Lamb's views. I imagine that she might regard your withdrawal as a personal affront. Talfourd, will you allow me to explain to Miss Wallace what I imagine is your exact position in this matter?"
Miss Johnson addressed a question to Mr. Staines before Margaret could reply.
"Frank, you can be honest sometimes, and you can be sensible. Try to be both of them now. What do you think of Mrs. Lamb?"
"It is a delicate subject, on which I should not presume to offer an opinion."
"That means that you don't love her."
"I have only loved one person in my life, and it certainly was not her."
Miss Johnson looked straight in front of her, as if she desired to convey the impression that she had no idea that any allusion was intended. Margaret urged Mr. Winton.
"Come, tell me what Harry's position really is, since I am quite unable to get it out of him."