"The pleasure, then, is mutual," Mr. Grooten remarked affably. "Isobel is, I trust, well?"
"You are helping her to spend her time profitably, I am glad to find," he continued. "I saw two miniatures of hers yesterday at the Mordaunt Rooms."
"Isobel has gifts," I said. "We are doing our best to assist her in their development."
Mr. Grooten raised his eyes to mine. He looked at me steadily.
"Why have you refused to use the money which I placed to your credit at the National Bank for her?" he asked.
"Because," I answered, "we are not aware what right you have to provide for her."
Mr. Grooten smiled upon us--much as a sphynx might have smiled. It had the effect of making us both feel very young.
"My claim," he murmured, "must surely be as good as yours."
"Perhaps," I admitted. "At any rate, the money remains there in her name. She may find herself in greater need of it later on in life."
Mr. Grooten seemed to find some amusement in the idea.
"No," he said, "I do not think that that is likely. You could safely have used the money, but as you have not--well, it is of small consequence. I presume that attempts have been made to withdraw the child from your care?"
"Several," I told him. "Madame Richard and Lady Delahaye were equally importunate."
"You have shown," he said, "an admirable discretion in refusing to give her up to either of them."
"And to-day," I continued, "a third claimant to the care of her has intervened. The Archduchess of Bristlaw herself has offered to relieve us of our guardianship."
Mr. Grooten dropped the cigarette which he had only just lit, and seemed for the moment unconscious of the fact. He made no effort to pick it up. He quivered as though someone had struck him a blow. For a man whose impassivity was almost a part of himself he was evidently deeply agitated.
"The Archduchess--has seen Isobel!" he muttered.
"They met by chance at the Mordaunt Rooms a few afternoons ago," I told him. "The Archduchess was accompanied by a girl of about Isobel's age. We came upon them suddenly, and the likeness was so marvellous that we were all startled. There was something in the nature of a scene. We left the Gallery at once, but the Archduchess sent one of her suite for me. I had some conversation with her concerning Isobel."