His conclusion was a trifle flurried. When we don't get what we want, in conversation, we are apt to be put to confusion. Mr. Rodney looked very hard indeed at the tweed suit, and then, although not introduced, added to it:
"I think you know Lord Bernard? He tells me so in his very charming and entertaining letters."
"Oh yes—Lord Bernard—oh yes, certainly," exclaimed the tweed suit, with a sudden flaring vivacity.
"A very sympathetic nature," Mr. Rodney continued, in softest music. "I am sure that you have found it so. A man to go to confidently in any trouble."
"Oh, certainly. Most undoubtedly yes."
The Duchess had caught Mr. Rodney's gracious innuendo, and she now chimed in, with her most basso-profondo manner:
"Ah, Mr. Van Adam! but in London you must forget all your troubles. London is the most cheerful place imaginable."
"Oh, mother!"
"Yes, Pearl, it is for a healthy person. No doubt," to the tweed, "you are staying for the season?"
The tweed looked towards Mrs. Verulam, and then, after a perceptible pause, answered: