Mr. Vyner pondered. "No," he said at last.
Miss Hartley caught her breath.
"How rude!" she said, after a pause, lowering her eyes.
"No, it isn't," said Robert.
"Really!" remonstrated Miss Hartley.
"I think that I am luckier than he is," said Robert, in a low voice. "At least, I hope so. Shall I tell you why?"
"No," said Joan, quickly.
Mr. Vyner moistened his lips.
"Perhaps you know," he said, unsteadily.
Joan made no reply.