"Could you come on Wednesday week? It's so unfortunate, I have such a quantity of parish engagements—that is my first evening free."
"Wednesday week, with pleasure."
"At half after seven?"
"That will suit me perfectly."
"And"—he looked toward the door—"I shall be greatly obliged to you if you won't mention to the rector the fact that you are coming. He—"
"My wife's in the boudoir," said Mr. Harding, coming into the room at this moment.
He stood by the door.
Malling shook hands with Chichester, and went to say good-by to his hostess.
Mr. Harding shut the drawing-room door.
"This is the way," he said. "Well, Mr. Malling? Well?"