"And perhaps to get away from people," said Sidney with quick intuition. "We had no idea we were pursuing you, though we admired the purpose and energy of your long strides."
Randolph smiled.
"I was pursued by visions of dinners and crowded drawing-rooms. I have come from town to escape them."
"Then my mother wasn't successful in capturing you," said Austin; "she had a hard try, didn't she?"
"She was very kind. I am afraid I vexed her; but I should be no addition at present to any company."
Sidney looked at him with a mixture of amusement and interest.
"There are very few of us who refuse Mrs. de Cressiers anything," she said. "I don't think it was very kind of you. And these are very special occasions, aren't they, Austin? It is a political opportunity."
"So Mrs. de Cressiers said; but that is just one of the reasons why I fight shy of it."
Sidney, who knew his history, was silent.
"Shake hands!" cried Austin delightedly. "I loathe politics. My mother is too strong on them for my taste."