“Let’s leave it this way, then. Whether you join now or not, come down once in a while as my guest, and fill in for the scratch matches. Later you may be able to pick up a few nags, cheap.”
“I’ll think it over,” said Banneker, as he had said to old Poultney Masters.
Not until after the dinner did Banneker remind his host of their understanding. “You haven’t forgotten that I’m here on business?”
“No; I haven’t. I’m going to answer your question for publication. Mrs. Eyre has not the slightest intention of suing for divorce.”
“About the separation?”
“No. No separation, either. Io is traveling with friends and will be back in a few months.”
“That is authoritative?”
“You can quote me, if you like, though I’d rather nothing were published, of course. And I give you my personal word that it’s true.”
“That’s quite enough.”
“So much for publication. What follows is private: just between you and me.”