"Oh, I see what you mean. No, Julian; I prefer to let fate experiment upon me."
"At the 'Empire'?"
"If fate chooses."
"I think you ought to know Cuckoo—"
"Is that her name?"
"Yes, Cuckoo Bright, before our meditated expedition."
Valentine seemed struck by this idea.
"So that we may all be at our ease. A capital notion. Julian, sit down, write a note asking her to come to tea on Thursday, in the flat. I will show her my pictures, and you shall talk to her of Huxley and of Herbert Spencer."
Julian regarded Valentine rather doubtfully.
"Are you malicious?" he said, with a hesitating note in his voice.