“They’ve gone to a party, they won’t come round again,” said he. “We may as well go, mayn’t we?”

I was very comfortable, so I said timidly:

“We might see somebody else we know.”

“Oh, somebody else be hanged! Who wants to see em?”

“I’m sure I don’t.” said I hastily, as I rose from my armchair, which was at once snapped up.

We were about to return to the club, when I observed Lady Mickleham’s barouche standing under the trees. I invited George to come and be introduced.

He displayed great indifference.

“She gives a good many parties,” said I; “and perhaps—”

“By Jove! Yes, I may as well,” said George. “Glad you had the sense to think of that, old man.”

So I took him up to Dolly and presented him. Dolly was very gracious; George is an evidently presentable boy. We fell into conversation.