Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/45

 'Lady Mickleham,' said I gravely, 'if your husband has not thought fit to mention these ladies—and others whom I could name—to you, how could I presume?'

'Do you mean to tell me that Archie?'

'He'd only known you three years, you see.'

'Then it was before?'

'Some of them were before,' said I.

Lady Mickleham drew a long breath.

'Archie will be in soon,' said she.

I took my hat.

'It seems to me,' I observed, 'that what is sauce—that, I should say, husband and wife ought to stand on an equal footing in these matters. Since he has—no doubt for good reasons—not mentioned to you'

'Alice Layton was a positive fright.'

'She came last,' said I. 'Just before you, you know. However, as I was saying'

'And that horrible Sylvia Fenton'

'Oh, he couldn't have known you long then. As I was saying, I should, if I were you, treat him as he has treated you. In my case it seems to be too late.'

'I'm sorry I told him that.'

'Oh, pray don't mind; it's of no consequence. As to the others'

'I should never have thought it of Archie!'

'One never knows,' said I, with an apologetic smile. 'I don't suppose he thinks it of you.'

'I won't tell him a single word. He may find out if he likes. Who was the last girl you mentioned?'