For an instant Mr. Brott gave signs of the man underneath.  The air of polite interest had left his face.  He glanced swiftly and keenly at his companion.  Mr. Sabin’s expression was immutable.  It was he who scored, for he marked the change, whilst Mr. Brott could not be sure whether he had noticed it or not.

“You have been living in America, then?”

“For several years—­yes.”

“It is a country,” Mr. Brott said, “which I am particularly anxious to visit.  I see my chances, however, grow fewer and fewer as the years go by.”

“For one like yourself,” Mr. Sabin said, “whose instincts and sympathies are wholly with the democracy, a few months in America would be very well spent.”

“And you,” Mr. Brott remarked, “how did you get on with the people?”

Mr. Sabin traced a pattern with his stick upon the marble floor.

“I lived in the country,” he said, “I played golf and read and rested.”

“Were you anywhere near New York?” Mr. Brott asked.

“A few hours’ journey only,” Mr. Sabin answered.  “My home was in a very picturesque part, near Lenox.”

Mr. Brott leaned a little forward.

“You perhaps know then a lady who spent some time in that neighbourhood—­a Mrs. James Peterson.  Her husband was, I believe, the American consul in Vienna.”

Mr. Sabin smiled very faintly.  His face betrayed no more than a natural and polite interest.  There was nothing to indicate the fact that his heart was beating like the heart of a young man, that the blood was rushing hot through his veins.

“Yes,” he said, “I know her very well.  Is she in London?”

Mr. Brott hesitated.  He seemed a little uncertain how to continue.

“To tell you the truth,” he said, “I believe that she has reasons for desiring her present whereabouts to remain unknown.  I should perhaps not have mentioned her name at all.  It was, I fancy, indiscreet of me.  The coincidence of hearing you mention the name of the place where I believe she resided surprised my question.  With your permission we will abandon the subject.”

“You disappoint me,” Mr. Sabin said quietly.  “It would have given me much pleasure to have resumed my acquaintance with the lady in question.”

“You will, without doubt, have an opportunity,” Mr. Brott said, glancing at his watch and suddenly rising.  “Dear me, how the time goes.”

He rose to his feet.  Mr. Sabin also rose.

“Must I understand,” he said in a low tone, “that you are not at liberty to give me Mrs. Peterson’s address?”

“I am not at liberty even,” Mr. Brott answered, with a frown, “to mention her name.  It will give me great pleasure, Duke, to better my acquaintance with you.  Will you dine with me at the House of Commons one night next week?”

“I shall be charmed,” Mr. Sabin answered.  “My address for the next few days is at the Carlton.  I am staying there under my family name of Sabin—­Mr. Sabin.  It is a fancy of mine—­it has been ever since I became an alien—­to use my title as little as possible.”