“Oh, dear yes; a most charming creature!”
Then all three laughed as if something clever had been said.
“Here’s to our better acquaintance, darling,” said the young lady, raising the glass to her lips. “I hope you’ll come and see me before you leave London.”
“Come and see you! I don’t know where you live.”
“I live at Brompton.”
“With your parents?”
“No—with an elder sister. I shall be delighted to make your acquaintance. My place is not half-an-hour’s ride from here. Let’s have a cab and I’ll show you where it is.”
“No, not to-night, my dear, I am otherwise engaged; but on some other occasion I shall be most delighted.”
“Yes, on some other occasion,” chimed in Kempshead, putting his arm in that of his friend, and sauntering towards the door of the establishment.
“It’s too bad to take him off like that,” said the girl, pouting. “One would think you were his keeper. Ha, ha!” She laughed what was meant to be a merry laugh, but it was forced, hollow, and unreal.