Robin Pierce made no rejoinder. They descended the great staircase and went towards the picture-gallery.
“Find a corner where we can really talk.”
“Yes, yes.”
He spoke eagerly.
“Here—this is perfect.”
They sat down at a table for two that was placed in an angle of the great room. Upon the walls above them looked down a Murillo and a Velasquez. Lady Holme was under the Murillo, which represented three Spanish street boys playing a game in the dust with pieces of money.
“A table for two,” said Robin Pierce. “I have always said that the Duchess understands the art of entertaining better than anyone in London, except you—when you choose.”
“To-night I really couldn’t choose. Later on, I’m going to give two or three concerts. Is anything the matter with Mr. Carey?”
“Do you think so?”
“Well, I hope it isn’t true what people are saying.”