The whole company was on a full flow of conversation when the butler opened the door and announced dinner.
Ran immediately arose, offered his arm to Mrs. Campbell, and begged Mr. Campbell to take in Mrs. Hay.
Mr. Will Walling, with one of his most lady-killing glances, offered his arm to Mrs. Montgomery.
And they all went to the dining-room.
But neither in the drawing-room nor at the dinner table was the slightest allusion made to the real motive of their gathering.
An hour later, when the whole party had returned to the drawing-room and the talk had wandered from the silver mines of Colorado to those of Siberia, a footman entered the room and spoke to his master apart, and in a low voice.
“‘Two persons to see Mr. Andrew Quin?’ Show them in here, Basset. Or, stay!—Mr. Quin!” exclaimed Ran, turning to his old friend.
Dandy came up in a moment.
“Here are two people inquiring for you. They may come upon private business with you. I don’t know, of course. So, shall they come in here, or should you prefer to meet them first?” inquired Ran.
“Oh! I know who they are! They are my niece and nevvy from Hantz. I’ll go and meet them!” said Dandy in a delighted tone.