10
THE open hostility between Stephen and the Vicomte lay like a thunder-cloud over dinner that night. From his place between Boldini and the Major at the foot of the table, Verity was constantly aware of Steve, next to their host at the head, glowering at d'Arenne who, seated between the Deans, was evidently doing his best to produce an impression on Phyllis. Verity noticed, too, that Toray refrained from addressing any remark to the Vicomte and that his glance, as often as it rested on the Frenchman, was charged with cold unfriendliness. Berg and his other two companions had wrapped themselves in an enigmatic silence which intensified the atmosphere of suspense. Only d'Arenne rattled on.
Phyllis laughed a good deal—Verity had the impression that she was deliberately trying to provoke S
