"Julia wants me? I'm much obliged to her!" Nick absently said. "Nash, please sit by my mother, with Peter on her other side."
"My dear, it isn't Julia"—Lady Agnes spoke earnestly. "Every one wants you. Haven't you heard from your people? Didn't you know the seat was vacant?"
Nick was looking round the table to see what was on it. "Upon my word I don't remember. What else have you ordered, mother?"
"There's some bœuf braisé, my dear, and afterwards some galantine. Here's a dish of eggs with asparagus-tips."
"I advise you to go in for it, Nick," said Peter Sherringham, to whom the preparation in question was presented.
"Into the eggs with asparagus-tips? Donnez m'en s'il vous plaît. My dear fellow, how can I stand? how can I sit? Where's the money to come from?"
"The money? Why from Jul——!" Grace began, but immediately caught her mother's eye.
"Poor Julia, how you do work her!" Nick exclaimed. "Nash, I recommend you the asparagus-tips. Mother, he's my best friend—do look after him."
"I've an impression I've breakfasted—I'm not sure," Nash smiled.
"With those beautiful ladies? Try again—you'll find out."