"Oh, it isn't us; it's Ruston."
"Mr. Ruston? I've heard of him."
"You very rarely admit that about anybody."
"Moreover, I've met him."
"He's quite coming to the front, of late, I know."
"Is there any positive harm in being in the fashion? I like now and then to talk to the people one is obliged to talk about."
"Go on," said Lord Semingham, urbanely.
"But, my dear Lord Semingham——"
"Hush! Keep the truth from me, like a kind woman. Ah! here comes Tom Loring——How are you, Loring? Where's Dennison?"
"At the House. I ought to be there, too."