I do not like you, I detest my wife's name being associated with yours, and for that reason, the less I see of you the better I am pleased." Mr.Draconmeyer nodded thoughtfully.

He was, to all appearance, studying the pattern of the carpet.

For once in his life he was genuinely puzzled.

Was this man by his side merely a jealous husband, or had he any idea of the greater game which was being played around them?
Had he, by any chance, arrived to take part in it?
Was it wise, in any case, to pursue the subject further?
Yet if he abandoned it at this juncture, it must be with a sense of failure, and failure was a thing to which he was not accustomed.
"Your frankness," he admitted grimly, "is almost exhilarating.

Our personal relations being so clearly defined, I am inclined to go further even than I had intended.