Spencer cocked an eye at Strangwise over his Martini.
“I’d like to hear your story, despite the restrictions,” he said.
Strangwise looked a trifle embarrassed.
“Maybe I’ll tell you one day,” he replied in his quiet way, “though, honestly, there’s precious little to tell...”
Desmond marked his confusion and respected him for it. He rushed in to the rescue.
“Spencer,” he said abruptly, “what’s worth seeing in London? We are going to a show to-night. I want to be amused, mark you, not elevated!”
“Nur-el-Din at the Palaceum,” replied the reporter.
“By Jove, we’ll go there,” said Desmond, turning to Maurice. “Have you ever seen her? I’m told she’s perfectly marvelous...”
“It’s an extraordinarily artistic turn,” said Spencer, “and they’re doing wonderful business at the Palaceum. You’d better go and see the show soon, though, for they tell me the lady is leaving the programme.”
“No!” exclaimed Strangwise so suddenly that Desmond turned round and stared at him. “I thought she was there for months yet...”