"How's the gout, George? You threatened at one time to become an easy prey to our physical Alectro."
"Better, William, thankee, far better. I found that hard work kept it off; or else I grew to drink less Port. I've dined solitary for a round number of years now."
"Your uncle looks well, Charles. Egad, I believe after all gold is better than iron for a man's health whatever the apothecaries tell us. Where is Clare?—a good fellow that friend of yours, Charles. I like Mr. Clare."
Tony came in from the stables at that moment and was presented to Sir George Repington.
He had often heard Charles rail against his uncle, but, perceiving no strain in the relation between them, entered yhe gathering with an easy grace, and gave a very humorous account of their departure from the Wells.
"Tut, tut," exclaimed Mr. Ripple, for Ripple he must remain, since as Ripple he achieved immortality.
"Tut, tut, I cannot have these riotous assemblies. This comes of leaving Curtain Wells. By the way, where is Mrs. Courteen?"
"She has an audience, sir," said Clare, "and is, therefore, as happy as can be expected under the circumstances."
"Who is Mrs. Courteen?" This from Sir George.
"A lady in whose company I have set out upon a very restless adventure. Cupid, George, has been shooting his arrows of late, without much regard to our mortal comfort. I believe the young rogue was unduly elated by the success of his Valentines."