Mrs. Monteith opened her eyes and stopped twirling her parasol.

“My dear Raine! In Geneva?”

“My dear Nora, I really don't see anything in that to create such surprise. I've just had Rogers expressing himself on the subject. Why shouldn't I live in Geneva? What objection have you?”

“If you talk to me in that vehement way you will make people fancy you are declaring a hopeless passion for me.”

“Let them,” said Raine, “they won't be greater fools than I am.”

“What on earth do you mean?”

“Oh, don't be alarmed. I am not going to declare myself. I wonder whether you would laugh at me, if I told you something.”

“It would depend whether it were funny or not.”

“That would be a matter of opinion,” he replied with a smile.

“Well, first let me know in what capacity I am to listen to it.”