“I mean,” she faltered, a trifle embarrassed,—“I mean that Mr Egerton knows more of her past than you. I feel sure he does, for she came to see him the other day, and they talked very excitedly. I was not in the room, of course, but—”
“Valérie at the studio! Why did she go?” he inquired, astonished.
“I don’t know, but I heard her say she would pay him another visit to-day and hear his answer, so I presume he has to decide upon some matter upon which she is pressing him.”
“To-day! She may be there now!” he cried, jumping to his feet with sudden impulse.
“Yes, most probably. She came the other day about four o’clock.”
“Then I will go and demand an explanation,” said he briefly, and, opening the door, he shouted to Jacob to call a cab.
Rather unceremoniously he hurried on his fair companion’s cloak, and, getting into his own overcoat, they both descended to the street.
In a few minutes they were driving in the direction of Fitzroy Square, leaving old Jacob standing on the kerb in astonishment at his master’s sudden flight in company with the strange lady.
The pretty model’s words had caused Hugh to become thoughtful and morose. His face wore a dark, resolute expression, and he scarcely uttered a word during the journey.
Dolly Vivian regarded him as her friend. She had accomplished her object and felt satisfied.