The journalist responded in suitable terms. He was very attracted by her, but he was not quite sure that he desired a close acquaintance. He had heard from his young friend Mount Vernon of her bridge parties, and the fact that people lost large sums of money there. She was evidently of a most hospitable nature, but she might prove a very expensive hostess.
They chatted for some time on different topics. Then, after a brief space, she suddenly burst out with a question.
“What do you know of Guy Rossett?”
Moreno shrugged his shoulders. “Next to nothing. I only know what everybody knows, that he has been sent to Madrid.”
Question and answer followed swiftly.
“Do you know why he has been sent to Madrid?”
“No. I suppose it is owing to his family influence.”
“Has Luçue told you nothing?”
“Up to the present nothing.”
She looked at him keenly. Was he fencing? No, she felt sure he was speaking the truth.