"I've settled down without marrying. You can't do both, you know."
The drawl in his voice unconsciously irritated the girl.
"Marrying and shaking up is more in your line," she retorted. "You're too successful, too rich, too selfish, Ricky."
"My dear, I lead my life, and you lead yours. Why should either try to disturb the other?"
"Because you lead such a rotten life. Honestly, Ricky, don't you get sick of gadding about night and day with people who only condescend to know you because you're a fashion?"
He smiled lazily at the uncompromising vigour of her criticism.
"To begin with, I don't do it night and day——"
"Ricky, you simply live in your Lady Barbara's pocket. Lots of people have told me. If I were you, I wouldn't let her make a fool of me. After all, you are somebody. Is she going to marry you?"
"I haven't asked her. She's a great friend of mine——"
"H'm. Everybody asks me when you're going to be married. Honestly, they do, Ricky. Three people this week. That's why I say she's making a fool of you. I don't think you know how people are talking."