“I enjoyed myself quite tolerably, thank you. You were there?”

“No, Lavinia, I was not there.”

“Then how do you kn⁠—” She stopped in confusion, biting her lips. For an instant she caught a glimpse of his eyes, piercing and cold.

“How do I know?” smoothly finished his Grace “One hears things, Lavinia. Also⁠—” he glanced round the room, “one sees things.”

“I⁠—I don’t understand you!” she shot out, twisting the lace of her gown with restless, uneasy fingers.

“No? Must I then be more explicit?”

“Yes! Yes! I should be glad!”

“Then let me beg of you, my dear Lavinia, that you will commit no indiscretion.”

Her cheeks flamed.