第92章

There was not much concealment about it, Heaven knew.And as he so evidently was not aware of the facts, how would they affect him when he discovered them? And though Lady Mallowe was a woman not in the least distressed or hampered by shades of delicacy and scruple, she surely was astute enough to realize that even this bounder's dullness might be awakened to realize that there was more than a touch of obvious indecency in bringing the girl to the house of the man she had tragically loved, and manoeuvering to work her into it as the wife of the man who, monstrously unfit as he was, had taken his place.Captain Palliser knew well that the pressing of the relationship had meant only one thing.And how, in the name of the Furies! had she dragged Lady Joan into the scheme with her?

It was as unbelievable as was the new Temple Barholm himself.And how unconcerned the fellow looked! Perhaps the man he had supplanted was no more to him than a scarcely remembered name, if he was as much as that.Then Tembarom, pacing slowly by his side, hands in pockets, eyes on the walk, spoke:

"Did you ever see Jem Temple Barholm? " he asked.

It was like a thunderbolt.He said it as though he were merely carrying his previous remarks on to their natural conclusion; but Palliser felt himself so suddenly unadjusted, so to speak, that he palpably hesitated.

"Did you?" his companion repeated.

"I knew him well," was the answer made as soon as readjustment was possible.

"Remember just how he looked?"

"Perfectly.He was a striking fellow.Women always said he had fascinating eyes.""Sort of slant downward on the outside corners--and black eyelashes sorter sweeping together?"Palliser turned with a movement of surprise.

"How did you know? It was just that odd sort of thing.""Miss Alicia told me.And there's a picture in the gallery that's like him."Captain Palliser felt as embarrassed as Miss Alicia had felt, but it was for a different reason.She had felt awkward because she had feared she had touched on a delicate subject.Palliser was embarrassed because he was entirely thrown out of all his calculations.He felt for the moment that there was no calculating at all, no security in preparing paths.You never know where they would lead.Here had he been actually alarmed in secret! And the oaf stood before him undisturbedly opening up the subject himself.

"For a fellow like that to lose a girl as he lost Lady Joan was pretty tough," the oaf said."By gee! it was tough!"He knew it all--the whole thing, scandal, tragically broken marriage, everything.And knowing it, he was laying his Yankee plans for getting the girl to Temple Barholm to look her over.It was of a grossness one sometimes heard of in men of his kind, and yet it seemed in its casualness to out-leap any little scheme of the sort he had so far looked on at.

"Lady Joan felt it immensely," he said.

A footman was to be seen moving toward them, evidently bearing a message.Tea was served in the drawing-room, and he had come to announce the fact.

They went back to the house, and Miss Alicia filled cups for them and presided over the splendid tray with a persuasive suggestion in the matter of hot or cold things which made it easy to lead up to any subject.She was the best of unobtrusive hostesses.

Palliser talked of his visit at Detchworth, which had been shortened because he had gone to "fit in" and remain until a large but uncertain party turned up.It had turned up earlier than had been anticipated, and of course he could only delicately slip away.

"I am sorry it has happened, however," he said, "not only because one does not wish to leave Detchworth, but because I shall miss Lady Mallowe and Lady Joan, who are to be at Asshawe Holt next week.Iparticularly wanted to see them."

Miss Alicia glanced at Tembarom to see what he would do.He spoke before he could catch her glance.

"Say," he suggested, "why don't you bring your grip over here and stay? I wish you would.""A grip means a Gladstone bag," Miss Alicia murmured in a rapid undertone.

Palliser replied with appreciative courtesy.Things were going extremely well.

"That's awfully kind of you," he answered."I should like it tremendously.Nothing better.You are giving me a delightful opportunity.Thank you, thank you.If I may turn up on Thursday Ishall be delighted."

There was satisfaction in this at least in the observant gray eye when he went away.