"When did you get back?" asked Carrissima, remembering that her welcome must not be too cordial.
"Late yesterday afternoon," he answered.
"Have you had a good time?"
"Oh, ripping!" he continued. "Old Wentworth knows his Paris, and we didn't waste many hours."
Six months ago it would not have been in the least surprising that he should pay her a visit directly he returned, but now she was wondering whether he had already seen Bridget Rosser.
"You're not staying in Charteris Street?" she asked.
"Not a bit of it. I'm at Duffield's Hotel again for the present. But I thought I ought to give Phoebe a look up last night. I went there after dinner. She tells me you have seen Bridget?" said Mark, leaning forward rather eagerly in his chair.
"Oh yes, it seemed quite the natural thing to do," answered Carrissima, unable to repress a sigh as she remembered the train of circumstances which had followed her visit to Golfney Place.
"That sounds as if you wish you hadn't done it!" he suggested.
"Have you seen her yet?" asked Carrissima, perceiving her opportunity.