As they concluded it was nearly time to drift back to Mrs. Hartley, Patty noticed a gentleman who stood at a little distance, looking at her intently.
“Who’s your friend, Patty?” asked Mabel. “Do you know him?”
“Yes,” said Patty, slowly. “He’s Sir Otho Markleham.”
“So he is,” said Bob. “I’ve seen him often, but I don’t know him personally.”
Sir Otho, still looking at Patty, took a few steps toward her, and then paused irresolutely.
“Please excuse me,” said Patty to the others, “I think I’ll go speak to him for a minute.”
“Do,” said Mr. Lawton; “we’ll wait for you right here.”
Following an impulse, Patty walked directly toward Sir Otho, who looked as if he would like to run away.
“How do you do?” she said, pleasantly, as they met.
“Quite well,” he said, but there was no responsiveness in his manner. “Do you wish to speak to me?”