“Well, shortly before the War he had been made a partner in an important firm in the Stock Exchange. He is supposed to come of a good family, and he went about a great deal. One of those sort of men ladies like--asked out a lot, that sort of thing--good-looking, too, don’t you think?” The question was inspired by jealousy. The more Bobby thought about Ramsey the less he liked the prospect of introducing him to Madame de Corantin. “I quite believe he is considered so,” she replied evasively. “But you were saying--” “Well, it’s generally believed, I dare say it isn’t true, that he was made a member of that firm through being--ahem--a great friend of the wife of the chief partner. I don’t like suggesting that sort of thing, you know, but as you asked me--” “Oh please go on,” Madame de Corantin said, holding her chin with both hands and leaning her elbows on the table. Her eyes were looking closely into Bobby’s, and he moved uneasily under their sustained gaze. “Just after the War began--Oh, I forgot to mention something: he is a very great friend of Mrs. Norman Lockyard, the wife of the Cabinet Minister. I seem to keep on bringing in ladies, but somehow when one talks about Alistair Ramsey one can’t help it. Through Mrs. Lockyard, he got introduced to Sir Archibald Fellowes. It wasn’t very difficult, you know; Ramsey gives little parties in his flat in Mount Street--all sorts of people go. It’s extraordinary when one thinks of it--I mean to me who know what his life has been--but he’s considered amusing. I know one evening, a week or two ago, Lord Coleton was there, and--” Madame de Corantin was listening attentively. “Did you say Lord Coleton?” she asked. “Those English names are so puzzling.” “Yes,” said Bobby. “Why, do you know him?” “Oh, slightly,” she answered, “but continue your story, it is so interesting.” “Where was I? Oh, yes, let me see. Have you ever heard of Léonie Blas?” Madame de Corantin smiled at the sudden question. “Oh yes, the chanteuse. What has she to do with it?” “Well, you see, Ramsey and Léonie were more or less _collés_, and Ramsey introduced old Fellowes to her. Soon afterwards Ramsey became Fellowes’ private secretary.” “Ah!” The exclamation came through Madame de Corantin’s closed lips almost like a sigh. “And Sir Archibald is a very important personage, I believe?” “Important! They say he runs the whole War Office.” Madame de Corantin laughed. The sound of it rippled away joyously. It was infectious, and Bobby laughed too. “Anything more I can tell you?” “Oh no, thanks. Now let us talk about other things, but I must know this wonderful Mr. Ramsey. You will introduce him to me, won’t you? Ah!” The reason for the exclamation was evident.