Gillier blew forth a cloud of smoke, turned a little in his chair and looked at his cigar. He seemed to be considering something.
"Then the expedition was a success?" said Charmian.
Gillier glanced at her and took another sip of brandy.
"Who knows? Why, how do you mean?"
"Madame, since I have been away with your husband I confess I begin to have certain doubts."
"Doubts!" said Charmian, in a changed and almost challenging voice. "I don't quite understand."
"That your husband is a clever man, I realize. He has evidently much knowledge of the technique of music, much imagination. He is an original, though he seldom shows it, and wishes to conceal it."
"Then—"
"A moment, madame! You will say, 'That is good for the opera!'"