ing more charming than ever, Carmelita," he offered in that grave voice of his that trembled upon the verge of an accent and never toppled over. "And may I ask you a favor? Do not let my presence make you in the slightest degree uneasy. I remember our last meeting in Paris and I have quite forgiven you for shattering my heart and not waiting to pick up the pieces." He was smiling. She glanced at him inquiringly, then, reassured, smiled in response.
"Apparently you have done an excellent job of mending it yourself," she ventured. But she was glad when Lucy joined them.
"You two are old friends, aren't you?" their hostess greeted them. "I remember that Rao was wildly in love with you in Paris and insanely jealous when Dudley stole a march on all your heavy suitors. But please, I ask you, do not start an intrigue under this chaste roof. There is already enough scandal popping here to keep the whole staff of "Town Topics" busy. Even decrepit old Jack is casting disgraceful eyes at that pretty widow of Talbot Trevor's. I don't really dare leave him a moment. When one is hostess, one is responsible for even one's husband, you know."
As she turned to go back into the house, Carmelita, with a hurried apology to Rao-Singh, joined her.
