"Oh, are you particularly susceptible?"
"Not that I know of, ma'am."
"Of course, if you are," the lady went on, "you do right to let it alone. But you might grant others the pleasure. Really, I think it is rather narrow of you, Mr. Kindred, and so I don't like it. You know you have always been my model cadet."
Magnus bowed.
"Fences have a narrow look, I do suppose," he said, "but they are good things, in spots. And I'd rather disappoint you so, than in some other ways, Mrs. Bright."
The two stood silent for a moment, looking off towards the punch bowl. Men came and went, and went and came, with other people's glasses; and then stood still and emptied their own. Young men, old men, with women on the outskirts.
"And you will not get me a glass?" said Mrs. Bright; looking up at her favourite.
"No, ma'am, if you please," Magnus said, with very winning deference. "You will not ask me, Mrs. Bright?"
"You cannot think there is any risk for me? Would it be against West Point regulations? But they are not in force here."
"No; although West Point honour is mine to guard, wherever I am," answered Magnus. "But I have said it to myself, that I will never take nor give the stuff in any form. For a regulation older than West Point, Mrs. Bright."