Must
be nearly fifty, but she looks twenty-five.'
He paused, then added impulsively:
'Let me take you to one of her evenings--nine on Thursday. Do
persuade him, Mrs Reardon?'
Reardon shook his head.
'No, no. I should be horribly out of my element.'
'I can't see why. You would meet all sorts of well-known people;
those you ought to have met long ago. Better still, let me ask
her to send an invitation for both of you. I'm sure you'd like
her, Mrs Reardon. There's a good deal of humbug about her, it's
true, but some solid qualities as well. No one has a word to say
against her. And it's a splendid advertisement to have her for a
friend. She'll talk about your books and articles till all is
blue.'
Amy gave a questioning look at her husband. But Reardon moved in
an uncomfortable way.
'We'll see about it,' he said. 'Some day, perhaps.'
'Let me know whenever you feel disposed. But about Jedwood: I
happen to know a man who reads for him.'
'Heavens!' cried Reardon. 'Who don't you know?'
'The simplest thing in the world. At present it's a large part of
my business to make acquaintances.
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