'Oh! rumours are nothing. I don't think I could have been mistaken in her. However, she has gone. I will find out why. As for Armorel Rosevean——'
'Alec—what a splendid girl! Was there no chance there for you? Are you so critical that even Armorel is not good enough for you?'
'Not my style,' he said shortly. 'Never mind the girl.'
'Well—there is one more thing, Alec—and a more pleasant subject—about yourself. I want to ask you one or two questions—family questions.'
'I thought you knew all about my family.'
'So I do, pretty well. However—this is really important—most important. I wouldn't waste your time if it was not important. Do you remember your great-aunt Eleanor Fletcher?'
'Very well. She left all her money to charities—Cat!'
'And your grandmother, Mrs. Needham?'
'Quite well. What is in the wind now? Has Aunt Eleanor been proved to have made a later will in my favour?'
'You will find out in a day or two. Eh! Alec, you are a lucky dog. Painter—poet—nothing in which you do not command success. And now—now——'