"You do know," said Robert.
Miss Hartley looked up with a sudden, careless laugh.
"It sounds like a conundrum," she said, gayly. "But it doesn't matter. I hope you will be lucky."
"I intend to be," said Robert.
"My hus—husband," said Joan, going very red, "would probably use the word 'fate' instead of 'luck.'"
"It is a favourite word of my wife's," said Robert gravely. "Ah, what a couple they would have made!"
"Who?" inquired Joan, eying him in bewilderment.
"My wife and your husband," said Robert. "I believe they were made for each other."
Miss Hartley retreated in good order. "I think you are talking nonsense," she said, with some dignity.
"Yes," said Robert, with a smile. "Ground-bait."