"He's a plain beast," said his aunt, bluntly. "I didn't mean him."
"He was very civil to me," insisted Strelsa, colouring.
"Probably he didn't have a chance to be otherwise. He's a rotter, child. Ask anybody. I know perfectly well what he's been up to. I'm sorry you went on the Yulan. He had no business to ask you—or any other nice girl—or anybody at all until that Reno scandal is officially made respectable. If it were not for his money—" She stopped a moment, adding cynically—"and if it were not for mine—certain people wouldn't be tolerated anywhere, I suppose.... How did you like Sir Charles?"
"Oh, he is charming!" she said warmly.
"You like him?"
"I almost adore him."
"Why not adore him entirely?"
Strelsa laughed frankly: "He hasn't asked me to, for one reason. Besides——"
"No doubt he'll do it."