"I am extremely sorry," said Desmond, "if I had but known..."
"I wish to pass the night here," she went on, "in fact, I may be here for several days. They are becoming inconvenient in London, you understand."
"But the theatre, your professional engagements?"
"Bah, I have left the theatre. I have had enough of these stupid English people... they know nothing of art!"
Desmond reflected a moment. Nur-el-Din's manner was most perplexing. What on earth could induce her to adopt this tone of condescension towards him? It nettled him. He resolved to try and find out on what it was based.
"I am only too happy to be of assistance to you," he said, "especially in view of the letter of introduction you sent me, but I must tell you plainly that what you ask is impossible."
"Impossible?" repeated Nur-el-Din, stamping her feet. "Impossible? Do you know what you are saying?"
"Perfectly," replied Desmond negligently. "Obviously, you must stay here for the rest of the night since you cannot return to London until the trains start running, but to stay here indefinitely as you propose to do is out of the question. People would talk!"
