A short pause marked the astounding conclusion. Then Charlie came up very close and whispered:
“Are you broken-hearted, Dolly?”
She turned her face away with a blush.
“Are you, Dolly?”
“I’m very much ashamed of myself,” she murmured. “Oh, Mr. Ellerton, not just yet!” and in deference to her entreaty Charlie had the grace to postpone what he was about to do.
When the supper was ready Sir Roger Deane looked round the table inquiringly.
“Well,” said he, “what is it to be?”
“Champagne—champagne in magnums!” cried Charlie Ellerton, with a ringing laugh.