“I am stepping your way, Mr. Knight, and if you don’t mind, we’ll walk together.”
What could he do but acquiesce?
“It is rather a delicate thing to say,” she went on, “but—well, I’m rather particular, and I’ve been abroad for a good many years.” (She branched aside to give a few impressions of the Antipodes.) “So, you see, I’ve rather lost touch. What I do want to know is, are the Cardomays quite nice people?”
Ronald supported them hotly and enthusiastically. He represented Eliphalet as a delightful personality who, professionally, was second only to Sir Henry Irving in the hearts of the public.
This was encouraging, but Mrs. Montmorency had not gained all the information she required.
“And the dear young lady—such a sweet girl, I think—she’s entirely dependent on the old gentleman, I suppose?”
“No, indeed,” returned Ronald. “She’s playing lead in an important film production at a very substantial salary.”
“How nice! Nothing I like better than to hear of young people getting on. I’m an old pro. myself, Mr. Knight; used to be quite a star in my day. But, dear me! I’ve passed my turning. Thank you so much, and good afternoon.”
“Good afternoon,” repeated Ronald, delighted to be rid of the lady of haunting odours.
“That settles it,” said Mrs. Montmorency to herself. “It wouldn’t be fair to me if I didn’t take the chance.”