There was a moment's pause. “Allan,” said Alice, suddenly, “what is this I hear about Lucy?”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“People are talking about her and Mr. Ryder. I overheard Mrs. Landis yesterday. It's outrageous!”
Montague did hot know what to say. “What can I do?” he asked.
“I don't know,” said Alice, “but I think that Victoria Landis is a horrible woman. I know she herself does exactly as she pleases. And she tells such shocking stories—”
Montague said nothing.
“Tell me,” asked the other, after a pause, “because you've given up Lucy's business affairs, are we to have nothing to do with her at all?”
“I don't know,” he answered. “I don't imagine she will care to see me. I have told her about the mistake she's making, and she chooses to go her own way. So what more can I do?”
* * *
That evening Montague found himself settled on a sofa next to Mrs. Billy Alden. “What's this I hear about your friend, Mrs. Taylor?” she asked.