“You soon will now you are resident in town, Mr Gowan; and I hope you will favour us by accompanying your friend Forbes. Only a little gathering of gentlemen, young, clever, and I hope enthusiastic. You will come?”
“I—that is—”
“Say yes, Frank, and don’t be so precious modest. He will bring up a bit of country now and then. But he is fast growing into a man of town.”
“What nonsense, Drew!” cried the boy quickly.
“Yes, what nonsense!” said the new acquaintance, smiling. “Believe me, Mr Gowan, we do not talk of town at our little social club. I shall look forward to seeing you there as my guest. What do you say to Monday?”
“I say yes for both of us,” said Andrew quickly.
“I am very glad. There, my last biscuit has gone, so till Monday evening I will say good-bye—au revoir.”
“Stick to the English, Selby,” said Andrew sharply. “French is not fashionable at Saint James’s.”
“You are quite right, my dear Forbes. Good-bye, Mr Gowan. It is a pleasure to shake your father’s son by the hand. Till Monday then, my dear Forbes;” and with a more courtly bow than ever, the gentleman stalked slowly away, with one hand raising a laced handkerchief to his face, the other resting upon his sword hilt.
“Glad we met him,” said Andrew quickly, and he looked unusually excited. “One of the best of men. You will like him, Frank.”