"Not a creature."
Mrs. Verulam knit her pretty brows.
"Francis loves Marriner," she said, in an inward voice of subtle meditation. "Francis loves Marriner."
She paused.
"Does he? Why?"
"I can't think, but he does. It isn't only that Marriner told me so, but he did himself; so I suppose it's true. Chloe, if we are to do this dreadful thing, Francis' affection must be played upon."
"It sounds like a flower and a hose."
"It's a footman's heart and a woman's cleverness. Marriner shall accept Francis on the condition of his keeping our secret from everyone, especially from James."
"I see. It's all perfect. Oh, except my clothes!"
"Your clothes! Why, you've got them on!"