“Really? I regret I was not aware of your presence. It is a good many years since I had the honour of seeing you.”

“Five,” nodded Lovelace, and sent a smiling, amorous glance at Lavinia.

“Exactly,” bowed his Grace. “You have, I perceive, renewed your acquaintance with my sister.”

When they were gone he caressed his chin, thoughtfully.

“Lovelace⁠ ⁠… and Richard is so jealous, so unreasonable. Now I do hope Lavinia will do nothing indiscreet⁠—Yes, Frank, I was talking to myself; a bad habit.”

Fortescue, who had come up behind him, took his arm.

“A sign of lunacy, my dear. Jim Cavendish demands you.”

“Does he? May I ask why?”

“He is in the cardroom. There is some bet on, I believe.”