"She has gone there to stay with some relatives." "She is interested in politics ?" "Not in the least." Mrs.Van Fosdyke welcomed a newcomer with a gracious little smile and Tallente rose to his feet.

Horlock had left the group in the centre of the room and was making his way towards them.
"At least we can talk here," he said, shaking hands with Tallente, "without any suggestion of a conspiracy.

The old gang, you know," he went on, addressing his hostess, "simply close around me when I try to have a word with Tallente.

They are afraid of some marvellous combination which is going to shut them out." "Lethbridge is the only one of them here to-night," She observed, "and he is probably in one of the rooms where they are serving things.

Now I must go back to my guests.