"Your aunt does too. She and Mr. Russell are tabulating guests. I hear some great man sleeps here to-night."
"I'm just off to meet him, but you will be very nice to him, uncle, at dinner to-night, won't you, and mind you see he takes in Jeanie Hamilton. They will talk of music all the time and save us a lot of trouble."
"Very well, but your aunt will pair him off with Lady Southbourne. He seems to be no end of a swell. For my part I never can find a word to say to these geniuses."
"Dear, ducky uncle, they are none of them so nice as you are, gospel truth, but I wish you were just a wee bit curious." The heart of Sir Evas felt warmed. He realised now what an immense difference Toney's love made in his life. To him it seemed as if he had been in a grave till her arrival, and then had slowly crept out of it.
"Curious, eh? Well, so I am."
"You never asked me why I wanted you particularly."
"I'm a trifle nervous when you do!" he answered laughing.
"You always were a bit of a coward, weren't you? Well, I'll tell you. You must let Maud Hamilton go in with Mr. Waycott, I think it's all right."
"Good Lord! what's all right?"
"Why, they are! I wonder they don't announce it, but I expect Miss Honoria doesn't like it."