"Yes. Just while I was getting things a little ship-shape for her. But we didn't have much luxury after all. However, she didn't mind that."
"Wasn't—don't you think it may have been rather dull for Mrs. Armine during that time?"
"Which time? D'you mean in the Fayyūm?"
"I mean, while you were away in the Fayyūm."
"I dare say it was. I expect it was. But why?"
"Well—"
Isaacson threw away his cigar.
"Not going to finish your cigar?" said Nigel.
He was evidently beginning to be surprised by his friend's words and manner.
"No," Isaacson said. "I don't want to smoke to-night; I want to talk. I must talk to you. You remember our conversation on the night of Mrs. Armine's departure?"