Out on the stairs, Hope was in the midst of a gay crowd; and, quite at the other side of the building, Hubert sat on the pedestal of the Dying Gaul, with one arm thrown across the neck of the statue, while he talked to the pretty young girl perched at his side.
Punctual to the moment, Billy appeared.
"Now let's get out of this," he said abruptly.
"Aren't you having a good time?" she questioned, with a little hurt tone.
"Yes, fine. I struck some Cleveland girls; they're always pretty. But now I want a breath of fresh air and a little sensible conversation. Come along."
"Where?"
"Anywhere, as long as it's quiet."
She laughed, as she handed him her fan.
"I believe you're tired before I am, Billy."
"No; only I do want a little chance to see you. It's not as if I were going to be at home, this summer."