“Oh, I know ... I’m always ten minutes late in an emergency, but I know now. You’re Edward, the man that Emily talked about.”
“What did she say?” asked Edward huskily.
“She said you were in love with her and wished there were more like you. Are you in love with her?”
His frankness was an affectation as was Lucy’s restraint. He had a wide-mouthed, insolent way of saying these things.
“Where is she now?” asked Edward.
“Oh, I see.” Tam’s voice was deliberately childlike and naïve. “You’re one of these people who think it’s immodest to mention love. Well, well, Stone and I discuss everything we think of, from God to indigestion, don’t we, old man?” He threw his arm round the impassive Stone’s neck. “Emily’s in Shanghai, we believe. Lucy sacked her because Emily declared her love for me.”
Lucy went quickly out of the room, letting no-one see her face.
How shocking. How shocking. Emily’s light defences of brave, witty dignity were torn down so easily. Emily was humiliated in the sight of the humiliated Edward.
“Well, well, there’s no accounting for tastes. There’s no good in refusing to admit these things. Emily’s a fine, unique creature—too furiously alive for her own peace of mind. I suppose you don’t want to stay here now, eh?”
“No.”