There is no one, as you will admit, within ear-shot.

Very well.

What will they say, those who suspect us, if they see us drinking tea and eating many cakes together?
Certainly not that we conspire, that we make mischief here.

On the other hand, they will say 'There are three great men at play, come to Monte Carlo to rest from their labours, to throw aside for a time the burden from their shoulders; to flirt, to play, to eat cakes.' It is a good place to talk, this, and I have something in my mind which must be said." Mr.Grex sipped his pale, lemon-flavoured tea and toyed with his cigarette-case.

He was eating nothing.
"Assuming you to be a man of sense, my dear Selingman," he remarked, "I think that what you have to say is easily surmised.