“Thanks,” I said. “It is most important that I should find her as quickly as possible, so you might render me a real service if you would make inquiries among your friends.”
“Of course, I’ll do anything to oblige you,” she said frankly. “Ashcombe—I shall remember the name.”
“And you will let me know as soon as you hear from Jack?”
“Certainly,” she answered. “I’ll send you word at once.”
At that moment our tête-à-tête was interrupted by the reappearance of Lady Stretton, who said:
“Dora and I are going to the Lyceum first night. If you’ll join us in our box we shall be charmed.”
“Thanks very much,” I replied. “I shall be delighted.” I had no especial desire to witness an Irving play, but in my gloomy frame of mind any diversion seemed better than the loneliness of my own chambers.
“Very well. Run home and dress, return and dine with us, and we will go along together. We shall meet Mr Gilbert Sternroyd there. Do you know him?” her ladyship asked.
The mention of the name caused me to start, and I felt that a sudden pallor overspread my face.
“Mabel introduced me,” I stammered.