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An elaborate
arrangement for tea occupied one of the rooms; there was also a cold
buffet for gentlemen--brandies and wines and iced soda-water and lobster
sandwiches and suchlike.
A many-tongued conversation filled the air with pleasant murmurs.
Various nationalities were represented, though the Russian colony was
conspicuous by its absence. The Duchess, like Mr. Freddy Parker, drew
the line at Russians. If only they would not dress so oddly, with those
open collars, leathern belts, and scarlet blouses! The judge, also, was
never asked to come--he was too outspoken a freethinker, and too fond of
spitting on the floor. Nor did Mr. Eames put in an appearance. He
avoided social obligations; his limited means preventing him from
making any adequate return. But there was an ample display of
ecclesiastics, together with a few other notabilities. Mr. Heard
encountered some familiar faces, and made new friends. He felt drawn
towards Madame Steynlin--she had such a cheerful bright face.
"And how delightfully cool these rooms are!" he was saying to the
Duchess.


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