He followed her trailing draperies out of the room with unutterable relief. Escape was imperative. He would seize the first opportunity that offered. In the drawing room several men were already grouped before the lugubrious mantel and Ellen’s entrance was greeted vociferously. Sucking her into their midst, they circled about her like a black whirlpool.
Torrigiani was accosted by Gerald.
“Hello, Marchese, what are you doing in this galère?” His tired eyes expressed surprise at seeing Vittorio without Anne.
Torrigiani smiled politely.
“I don’t belong, do I? As a matter of fact, I’m going on elsewhere immediately.” He looked guiltily towards Ellen.
Gerald laughed. “Meditating escape? Well, I won’t give you away.”
They smoked in silence for a few moments.
“What do you think of the house?” Gerald waved a languid hand at the lavender walls.
“Remarkable!”
“But you ought to see the bathroom!” The tired eyes grinned salaciously. “Done in gold leaf with black frieze representing scenes from ‘Le Roi Pausole.’ Hot tamale! Shall I show it to you?”