A momentary contraction of Delicia’s fine brows showed that a touch of impatience ruffled her humour. But she restrained herself, and said with perfect composure,— ‘I am afraid I don’t quite follow your meaning, unless, perhaps, your words apply to the new dancer, La Marina?’ He gave a violent start, and with a sudden movement of his hand upset his wine glass. Delicia watched the red wine staining the satiny whiteness of the damask table-cloth without any exclamation or sign of annoyance. Her heart was beating fast, because through her drooping lashes she saw her husband’s face, and read there an expression that was strange and new to her. ‘Oh, I know what has happened,’ he said fiercely, and with almost an oath, as he strove to wipe off the drops of Chateau Lafite that soiled his cuff as well as the table-cloth. ‘That woman Lefroy has been here telling tales and making mischief! I saw her, with her crew of social rowdies, at the Savoy the other night....’ ‘And she saw you!’ interpolated Delicia, smiling. ‘Well, what if she did?’ he snapped out irritably. ‘I was introduced to La Marina by Prince Golitzberg—you know that German fellow—and he asked me to take her off his hands. He had promised her a supper at the Savoy, and at the last moment he was sent for to go to his wife, who was seized with sudden illness. I could not refuse to oblige him; he’s a decent sort of chap. Then, of course, as luck would have it, in comes that spoil-sport of a Lefroy and makes all this rumpus!’ ‘My dear Will!’ expostulated Delicia, in gentle amazement, ‘what are you talking about? Where is the rumpus? What has Mrs Lefroy done? She simply mentioned to me to-day that she had seen you at the Savoy with this Marina, and there the matter ended, and, as far as I am concerned, there it will for ever end.’ ‘That is all nonsense!’ said Carlyon, still wiping his cuff. ‘You know you are put out, or you wouldn’t look at me in the way you do!’ Delicia laughed. ‘What way am I looking?’ she demanded merrily. ‘Pray, my dear boy, don’t be so conceited as to imagine I mind your taking the Marina, or any amount of Marinas, to supper at the Savoy, if that kind of thing amuses you! Surely you don’t suppose that I bring myself into comparison with “ladies” of Marina’s class, or that I could be jealous of such persons? I am afraid you do not know me yet, Will, though we have spent such happy years together! You have neither fathomed the depth of my love, nor taken the measure of my pride! Besides,—I trust you!’ She paused. Then rising from the table, she handed him the little silver box containing his cigars. ‘Smoke off your petulance, dear boy!’ she said, ‘and join me upstairs when you are ready. We go to the Premier’s reception to-night, remember.’