'Colonel Montague.'
Her ladyship looked at Wogan doubtfully, and beckoned the Colonel with her fan. The Colonel, who had his own feud with Lady Mary over the supposed authorship of the ballad, made as though he had not seen her summons. Lady Mary repeated it with no better result, and finally took a step or two towards him. Montague could no longer affect to misunderstand.
'I wish to present you to a friend,' she said, as Colonel Montague joined her.
'If your ladyship will excuse me,' said the Colonel coldly, 'I have no taste for the acquaintance of Irish adventurers.'
Mr. Wogan was not out of earshot, and laughed gleefully as he caught the insult. Here was his opportunity, come in the nick of time.
'Did anyone mention me?' he said pleasantly, as he came round the card-table. But before the Colonel could answer, or Lady Mary interfere, the servant at the door announced:
'Dr. and Miss Townley!'
Wogan's heart gave a leap. He swore beneath his breath.
'Miss Townley?' asked her ladyship, who had caught his oath.
'Is Rose, the Rose,' replied Wogan.