When she looked again, he seemed unconscious of her presence, and was buttoning his overcoat.
“Really going at last, Sholto?” said Marian. Douglas bowed.
“I told you you wouldnt be able to stand it, old man,” said Marmaduke. “Mrs. Bluestockings wont be pleased with you for not staying to hear her recite.” This referred to Mrs. Fairfax, who had just gone upon the platform.
“Good night,” said Miss McQuinch, shortly, anxious to test how far he was offended, but unwilling to appear solicitous for a reconciliation.
“Until to-morrow, farewell,” he said, approaching Marian, who gave him her hand with a smile: Conolly looking thoughtfully at him meanwhile. He left the room; and so, Mrs. Fairfax having gone to the platform to recite, quiet prevailed for a few minutes.
“Shall I have the pleasure of playing the accompaniment to your next song?” said Conolly, sitting down near Marian.
“Thank you,” said Marian, shrinking a little: “I think Miss McQuinch knows it by heart.” Then, still anxious to be affable to the workman, she added, “Lord Jasper says you are a great musician.”
“No, I am an electrician. Music is not my business: it is my amusement.”
“You have invented something very wonderful, have you not?”
“I have discovered something, and I am trying to invent a means of turning it to account. It will be only a cheap electro-motor if it comes to anything.”