Mr. Cuthbert apologized.
“Oh, I didn't mean to ask you far a tip,” he declared, quite confused. “I didn't suppose you knew. The old man is getting ready to make another killing, that's all. You don't mind my telling you you look stunning tonight, do you?”
Honora smiled.
“No, I don't mind,” she said.
Mr. Cuthbert appeared to be ransacking the corners of his brain for words.
“I was watching you to-night at the table while Mr. Wing was talking to you. I don't believe you heard a thing he said.”
“Such astuteness,” she answered, smiling at him, “astounds me.”
He laughed nervously.
“You're different than you've ever been since I've known you,” he went on, undismayed. “I hope you won't think I'm making love to you. Not that I shouldn't like to, but I've got sense enough to see it's no use.”
Her reply was unexpected.