“There’s a lot in that,” Anthony agreed, firmly believing that there was, since Cynthia had said it.

“As I haven’t got to live with her the question doesn’t arise,” retorted Stephen.

“And yet,” said Cynthia, “you’ll come up to town—to see me—on the day I have her to tea.”

“I shall, yes,” Stephen replied frankly. “I’m interested in her. She’s a type.”

“Copy for the new book,” nodded Anthony. “By the way, how is the new book?”

“Good in parts. I’ve been hung up over ‘Helen.’ She puzzles me, and until I met Elizabeth Arden to-night I hadn’t been able to find her counterpart.”

“Oh, that’s what the book’s about, is it?” said Cynthia. “The modest violet. You fool, Stephen.”

“Cynny, Cynny!” Anthony protested gently. “Don’t be cynical, old girl.”

“He is a fool, Anthony,” she insisted, smiling.

“Yes, of course, but you shouldn’t sneer at that girl, darling; she’s a nice kid.”

“I shan’t be allowed to sneer at anybody soon,” Cynthia remarked, entirely without rancour.

“’Tisn’t necessary, darling, an’ I hate it.”

“Go on, Anthony,” Stephen said encouragingly. “You’re the only person I know who can take Cynny down two or three pegs.”

“Me?” Anthony leaned forward slightly to look across his wife at Stephen. “Why, Cynny’s a lot cleverer’n I am! Queer notions you do get into your head, old man!”

Chapter Five

Lawrence was quite excited when he learned that Elizabeth had met Stephen Ramsay at the dance-club. He seemed to think that it was clever of her, and praiseworthy, for he puffed out his chest slightly and patted her shoulder a great many times, saying, Well, well, well! He wanted to know just what Stephen had said, and Miss Arden, also interested, just how he looked. Elizabeth tried to satisfy both her listeners, but she found it difficult, and floundered badly in her description. She had spent nearly half the evening exclusively with Stephen, but in the cold light of the following morning she could not remember exactly what he looked like. She thought his eyes were grey; certainly he wore an eyeglass, but she felt sure that were she to meet him in the street she would pass him by.

Lawrence was displeased, and remarked in an annoyed tone of voice that Stephen seemed to have made very little impression on Elizabeth.

Elizabeth racked her brains, and managed to recall some stray fragments of their conversation last night, which quite restored Lawrence to good-humour.

“A very bright young man, I should say,” he nodded. “I always thought that you might meet some interesting people at the club.” He paused, and looked impressively at Elizabeth. “Never neglect an opportunity of getting to know people,” he said. “I’m very glad I encouraged you to join the club, very glad indeed.”