. By the way, my young
friend, the men complain that you are never seen at the Club during
the afternoon any more. That is ungrateful, if you like!--for they
all think you are the brightest man out here, and would rather hear
you talk than eat--or drink, which is more to the point. Now, I must
go, dear. I won't intrude any longer. It has been delightful, meeting
two such clever people at once. You are coming to my 'At Home'
tomorrow. I won't take no for an answer."
There was a warning note in her voice. Her pointed remarks had not
been inspired by sheer felinity. It was her purpose to let Madeleine
know that she was in danger of scandal or worse, and that the sooner
she scrambled back to terra firma the better. Of course she could not
refrain from an immediate round of calls upon impatient friends, but
she salved her conscience by asserting roundly (and with entire
honesty) that there was nothing in it as yet. She had seen too much
of the world to be deceived on _that_ point.
XVI
After Masters had assisted Mrs. Abbott's large bulk into her
barouche, resisting the impulse to pitch it in headfirst, he walked
slowly up the stairs. He was seething with fury, and he was also
aghast. The woman had unquestionably precipitated the crisis he had
hoped to avoid.
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