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?"