“No,” she said decisively; “it would be absolutely useless. I must have a thousand to settle my present debts; then I can go on for six, perhaps twelve months, longer.”
“And after that?” inquired Pierre.
She arched her eyebrows, and, giving her shoulders a tiny shrug, replied—
“Well—I suppose I shall have the misfortune to marry some day or another.”
All three smiled grimly.
“How are matters progressing in that direction?” Victor asked, with a curious expression.
“As favourably as can be expected,” replied Valérie in an indifferent tone. “If a woman is chic and decorous at the same time, and manages to get in with a good set, she need not go far for suitors.”
“Have you seen the Sky Pilot?” inquired Victor, with a thoughtful frown.
“Yes, I met Hubert Holt a few days ago at Eastbourne. He asked after you.”
“Shall I find him at the usual place?”