“I came up to see Virginia,” he went on, with a change of manner. “I want her to take you driving this afternoon. Forget about that wretched trial if you can. Nothing of importance will take place to-day.”
He turned at the sound of footsteps, and saw that Miss Balfour had come into the room.
“I want you to take Mrs. Harley into the fresh sunshine and clear air this afternoon. I have been telling her to forget this trial. It’s a farce, anyhow. Nothing will come of it. Take her out to the Homes—take and cheer her up.”
“Yes, my lord.” Virginia curtseyed obediently.
“It will do you good, too.”
She shot a mocking little smile at him. “It’s very good of you to think of me.”
“Still, I do sometimes.”
“Whenever it is convenient,” she added.
But with Aline watching them the spirit of badinage in him was overmatched. He gave it up and asked what kind of a rig he should send round. Virginia furnished him the necessary specifications, and he turned to go.
As he left the room Simon Harley entered. They met face to face, and after an instant’s pause each drew aside to allow the other to pass. The New Yorker inclined his head silently and moved forward toward his wife. Ridgway passed down the corridor and into the elevator.