The Marquis picked up his hat from the table on which he had placed it.
"I have heard more foolish remarks," he observed, "from considerably wiser people."
There was a sound outside, and then the door opened and Spalding appeared on the threshold.
Tony turned to his guests. "Have you got a car?" he inquired, "or can my man drive you anywhere?"
Da Freitas bowed. "You are very kind," he said, "but there is no need to trouble you. We are in the fortunate position of being able to look after ourselves—in every way."
He walked to the door, followed by the Count de Sé, who haughtily ignored Tony's polite farewell. Leaning against the mantelpiece the latter waited placidly until he heard the grind and scrunch of the departing car, and then strolling out into the hall discovered Spalding in the act of closing the front door.
"Have Miss Francis and Mr. Guy come back yet?" he inquired.
"Yes, Sir Antony," replied Spalding. "They returned a few minutes ago and are waiting in the garden. I took the liberty of informing them who your visitors were. You had given no instructions, but I thought you might wish them to know."
"It's a waste of time giving you instructions, Spalding," said Tony. "Your instincts are so invariably accurate."
Spalding, as usual, acknowledged the compliment with a slight bow.