A little later the Tressilvains and Shiela started across the lawn to their own apartments, and Malcourt went with them to hold an umbrella over his wife.
In the lower hall they separated with scarcely a word, but Malcourt detained his brother-in-law by a significant touch on the arm, and drew him into the library.
"So you're leaving to-morrow?" he asked.
"What?" said Tressilvain.
"I say that I understand you and Helen are leaving us to-morrow."
"I had not thought of leaving," said Tressilvain.
"Think again," suggested Malcourt.
"What do you mean?"
Malcourt walked up very close and looked him in the face.
"Must I explain?" he asked contemptuously. "I will if you like—you clumsy card-slipping, ace-pricking blackguard!... The station-wagon will be ready at seven. See that you are, too. Now go and tell my sister. It may reconcile her to various ideas of mine."