They looked each other in the eyes while a minute passed. Then Lord Herbert said slowly, “I understand.”
“What?”
“That I have come to the wrong man for advice.”
There was a silence, broken only by the ticking of a clock and the uneasy movements of Maine's fox-terrier, which was lying before the empty grate and dreaming of departed fires.
At last Maine said: “To-day I asked Mrs Glinn to marry me.”
The other started perceptibly. “Knowing what I have told you?” he asked.
“Not knowing it.”
“What—what did she say?”
“Nothing. I am to see her to-morrow.”
Lord Herbert glanced at him furtively. “I suppose you will not go—now?” he said.