«I haven't seen you for an age,» said that lady. «How are you?»
«Hard at work,» said the specialist. «Just got my new book out. This kind of thing wastes time. Have you seen Lady Levy yet?»
«No, poor dear,» said the Duchess. «I only came up this morning, for this. Mrs. Thipps is staying with me — one of Peter's eccentricities, you know. Poor Christine! I must run round and see her. This is Mr. Parker,» she added, «who is investigating that case.»
«Oh,» said Sir Julian, and paused. «Do you know,» he said in a low voice to Parker, «I am very glad to meet you. Have you seen Lady Levy yet?»
«I saw her this morning.»
«Did she ask you to go on with the inquiry?»
«Yes,» said Parker; «she thinks,» he added, «that Sir Reuben may be detained in the hands of some financial rival or that perhaps some scoundrels are holding him to ransom.»
«And is that your opinion?» asked Sir Julian.
«I think it very likely,» said Parker, frankly.
Sir Julian hesitated again.