“Join us at the Piazza for supper, Monty!” Sherry suggested.
Sir Montagu thanked him, but was obliged to excuse himself, since he was engaged with some friends. He bowed once more over Hero’s hand, promised himself the pleasure of waiting upon her formally at no very distant date, and took his leave.
He had no sooner left the box than Ferdy was moved to express himself unequivocally. “Shouldn’t have invited him,” he said. “He’s a Bad Man.”
Hero turned a wide, questioning gaze upon him. Sherry said: “Oh, fiddle! Nothing amiss with Monty! You don’t know what you’re talking about, Ferdy!”
“Bit of a commoner,” said Mr Ringwood dispassionately. “Always thought so.”
“Nonsense!”
“Thinks he’s at home to a peg,” said Mr Fakenham. “Well, he ain’t. What’s more, I don’t like him. Gil don’t like him either.”
“Well, he can be devilish good company,” retorted the Viscount.
“He don’t keep devilish good company,” Mr Ringwood said stolidly.
“Good God, you may meet him everywhere!” exclaimed Sherry.