Lotzen, however, had been drinking rather freely and was not so chary
with his glances. Indeed, he stared so frankly that Lady Helen did not
hesitate to prod him about it.
"I would take her to be an American," I heard him say.
"Without a doubt," Lady Helen answered.
Inwardly, I consigned the Spencer woman to perdition. They would be
interrogating me about her, next; and I did not know just how to
answer. I would have to admit knowing her; that would only whet their
curiosity and bring further questions. To tell the whole story was
absurd--and, yet, only a little of it would leave a rather unpleasant
inference against me. At any rate, on Dehra's account, I did not want
the matter discussed.
I could feel Lotzen's glance, and I knew he was waiting only for a
break in Lady Radnor's discourse. I gave him as much of my back as
possible, and encouraged her to proceed. She was on the Tenement House
problem; but I had no idea what she was advocating, in particular. I
did not care. All I wanted was talk--talk--talk. And, whenever she
showed signs of slowing up, I flung in a word and spurred her on again.
And she responded nobly; and I marvelled at her staying powers--at Lord
Radnor's fortitude through so many years--at Lady Helen being the child
of such a mother.
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