Part 37 (1/2)

”Rather an apt deduction!” he admitted. ”I am inclined to agree with you. Frances is just one of those shrewd, plain-looking, attractive women who enjoy climbing steep ladders. It is rather a pity she was born on the top rung. But I believe we have frightened Mrs. Milbanke!”

He turned suddenly and caught Clodagh's expression, as she sat forward, listening intently.

At the mention of her name, she laughed quickly, and leant back against the cus.h.i.+ons of her seat.

”What do you mean?” she asked with a touch of constraint. ”Am I as childish as all that?”

They all looked at her; and Barnard gave an amused laugh.

”Come!” he cried banteringly. ”There's no use telling me you weren't just a little shocked.”

”Shocked?”

”Yes, shocked.” He nodded his head once or twice in genial gaiety.

”There's no denying that the word 'adventuress' has a daunting sound.

There was a danger signal in the very thought of a lady who might--under any conditions--have been notorious. Come now, confess!”

Clodagh looked from his amused, quizzical eyes to Serracauld's satirical, laughing ones, and a shadow of uncertainty--of doubt--crossed her own bright face. There was an element in this social atmosphere that she did not quite understand.

”Indeed----” she began hotly.

But Serracauld, whose glance had never left her own, bent forward quickly, looking up into her face.

”I say, Mrs. Milbanke,” he cried, ”let's refute the insinuation of this old inquisitor! Let's waive ceremony, and storm Lady Frances Hope in her citadel! She is always at home at this hour of night.”

Clodagh looked up.

”To-night?” she said. ”Oh, but how could I? I don't know her!”

Serracauld laughed.

”Oh, as for that, we're abroad, not in England! The greatest stickler for etiquette allows that there's a difference in the two conditions.”

”But I couldn't. How could I?” Her eyes sought Barnard's.

”Oh yes!” he cried. ”I knew it!--I knew it! We have frightened you off!”

She flushed uncomfortably.

”It isn't that!” she cried in distress. ”You know it isn't that!”

Involuntarily she turned to Lord Deerehurst; but in the dim light she detected a smile on his pale, cold face.

With a sudden change of emotion, self-reliance came to her.

”Where does Lady Frances Hope live?” she asked in a careless voice.

Barnard was studying her intently.