“In a launch to fetch me—us.”
“Am I invited?” said Vere. “What fun!”
“I could not get out of it,” Hermione said to Artois. “But now I insist on your staying here till the Marchesino comes. Then he will ask you, and we shall be a quartet.”
“I will stay,” said Artois, with a sudden return of his authoritative manner.
“It seems that I am woefully ignorant of the Bay,” continued Hermione. “I have never dined at Frisio’s. Everybody goes there at least once. Everybody has been there. Emperors, kings, queens, writers, singers, politicians, generals—they all eat fish at Frisio’s.”
“It’s true.”
“You have done it?”
“Yes. The Padrone is worth knowing. He—but to-night you will know him. Yes, Frisio’s is characteristic. Vere will be amused.”
With a light tone he hid a faint chagrin.
“What fun!” repeated Vere. “If I had diamonds I should put them on.”