No, no, Anna Wolsky was not able to appreciate such a friend as you are!
But now the tea is made, made strong to the English taste, we must not
leave L'Ami Fritz and Mr. Chester alone together. Gentleman are dull
without ladies."

Carrying the teapot she led the way into the dining-room, and they sat
down round the table.

The little tea-party went off fairly well, but Chester could not forget
his strange conversation with Sylvia in the motor. Somehow, he and she
had never come so really near to one another as they had done that
afternoon. And yet, on the other hand, he felt that she was quite unlike
what he had thought her to be. It was as if he had come across a new
Sylvia.

Madame Wachner, looking at his grave, absorbed face, felt uneasy. Was it
possible that this Englishman intended to take pretty Mrs. Bailey away
from Lacville? That would be a pity--a very great pity!

She glanced apprehensively at her husband. L'Ami Fritz would make himself
very unpleasant if Sylvia left Lacville just now. He would certainly
taunt his wife with all the money they had spent on her entertainment--it
was money which they both intended should bear a very high rate of
interest.




CHAPTER XXII