“I had my tea in the bar,” he said. “How are you, Marya?––but I musn’t detain you––” he glanced at the distant group of people who seemed to be awaiting her.
“You are not detaining me,” she said sweetly.
“Your people seem to be waiting–––”
“They may go to the deuce. Are you quite alone?”
“I––yes–––”
“Shall we have tea together?”
He laughed. “But you’ve had yours–––”
“Well, you know there are other things that one sometimes drinks.”
There seemed no way out of it. They went into the tea-room together and seated themselves.
“How is Vanya?” he inquired.