"
"Did she--did she, by Jove?" cried the viscount; "and yet, upon my
honour, Eversleigh, I can't remember her. You see, I know so many
splendid women; and splendid women are perpetually making an impression
upon me--and I am perpetually making an impression upon splendid women.
It's mutual, by Jove, Eversleigh, quite mutual. And pray, who is the
lady in question?"
"The beautiful Viennese, Paulina Durski."
The lordling made a wry face.
"Paulina Durski! Yes, Paulina is a pretty woman," he murmured,
languidly; "a very pretty woman; and you're right, Eversleigh--she did
make a profound impression upon me. But, you see, I found the
impression cost me rather too much. Hilton House is the nicest place in
the world to visit; but if a fellow finds himself losing two or three
hundred every time he crosses the threshold, you can be scarcely
surprised if he prefers spending his evenings where he can enjoy
himself a little more cheaply. However, perhaps you'll hardly
understand my feelings on this subject, Eversleigh; for if I remember
rightly you were always a winner when I played at Madame Durski's."
"Was I?" said Sir Reginald, with the air of a man who endeavours to
recall circumstances that are almost forgotten.
The lordling was not altogether without knowledge of the world and of
his fellow-men, and there had been a certain significance in his speech
which had made Eversleigh wince.
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