Jimmy's voice trembled with rage as he forced himself to answer.
"I should like to stay to dinner—if I may."
He had never thought it possible that she could so treat him, never believed that she could be so utterly indifferent. Christine laughed carelessly.
"Oh, do stay, by all means. Perhaps Mr. Kettering will stay as well?"
Kettering turned. He could not meet her eyes.
"I am sorry. I should like to have stayed; but—but I have another engagement. I am very sorry."
The words were lame enough; nobody believed their excuse. Kettering rose to take his leave. He shook hands with Gladys and Jimmy. He turned to Christine.
"I will come and see you off," she said.
She followed him into the hall, deliberately closing the door of the drawing-room behind her.
"We must have our little tea another day," she said recklessly. She did not look at him. "It was too bad being interrupted like that."