"And all our national success," said Pettifer.
Hazlewood patted his brother-in-law upon the shoulder. He looked at him indulgently. "You are a Tory, Robert," he said, and implied that argument with such an one was mere futility.
He had still his hand upon Pettifer's shoulder when the door opened.
Stella saw by the change in his face that it was Thresk who was entering.
But she did not move.
"Ah," said Mr. Hazlewood. "Come over here and take a cup of tea."
Thresk came forward to the table. He seemed altogether unconscious that the eyes of the two men were upon him.
"Thank you. I should like one," he said, and at the sound of his voice
Stella Ballantyne turned around in her chair.
"You!" she cried and the cry was pitched in a tone of pleasure and welcome.
"Of course you know Mrs. Ballantyne," said Hazlewood. He saw Stella rise from her chair and hold out her hand to Thresk with the colour aflame in her cheeks.
"You are surprised to see me again," she said.
Thresk took her hand cordially. "I am delighted to see you again," he replied.