Mr. Jakyl was reticent by nature; the few words he did utter, however, were courteous and patronising enough.
The butler, however, had so many persons to see, and such a number of little arrangements to make, that he did not remain many minutes in one place.
He was constrained to leave Peace rather abruptly.
“What wine will you take, Mr. Peace?” said Henry Adolphus.
“None at present, I thank you,” returned our hero.
“You must ’ave one glass with me. What say you—champagne?”
“Thank you, yes.”
Two glasses of champagne were filled, and the burglar and the flunkey hobbed and nobbed. Presently the latter’s attention was called to another part of the room.
Soon after his departure Peace caught sight of Nelly threading her way through the throng. He hastened towards her.
“You here!” said he in a whisper, when he had reached her side.