So carefully modulated had been Borrowdean's voice that no word of his had reached beyond their own immediate circle.

It was as though a silent tableau were being played out between the three, and Mannering, to whom repression had become a habit, gave little indication of anything he might have felt.

Borrowdean's fixed smile betokened nothing but an ordinary interest in the introduction of two friends, and the Duchess's back was turned towards her friends.

They both waited for Mannering to speak.
"This," he said, slowly, "is a surprise! I had no idea when I called to see Borrowdean here, of the pleasure which was in store for me." Borrowdean dropped his eyeglass.
"Are you serious, my dear Mannering ?" he exclaimed.

"Do you mean to say that you came here--" "Only to see you," Mannering interrupted.