[CHAPTER IX]
THE PLOT MISCARRIES
Some ten or twelve people only remained in the drawing-room when Kit returned, for several had taken their departure before the Murchisons, and Toby seemed to be a target at which was being fired some straight, hard chaff. As usual, he was looking serene and pleasant, but it seemed to Kit that his smile at this moment was more the result of habit than of any entertainment that the chaff afforded him.
"Toby has made an impression," explained Alice, "and he's too modest to acknowledge it."
"Dear Toby, you made an excellent impression," said Kit, taking his arm, as he stood rather hot and stiff under the chandelier. "I'm very much pleased with you, and I'll remember you in my will."
"If he'll promise to remember you in his!" said Jack, who had returned from speeding the parting guest. "That should be worth something."
"Answer them back, Toby," said Kit. "Hit out."
"A lovely man," said Tom, "but homely. A happy and amiable disposition."