Fenwick made a muttered reply.

It might have been thought he disliked being talked to about his own work.

Welby accordingly changed the subject at once; he returned to the picture he had been pressing on Lord Findon.
'Haven't you seen it?
You really should.' But this elicited even less response.

Fenwick glared at him--apparently tongue-tied.

Then Madame de Pastourelles and her neighbour talked to each other, endeavouring to draw in the stranger.