"God bless you, my dear. May He keep you from pain and all harm."
Mavis was seized with a sudden impulse. She took the white head in her warm arms and kissed him fondly on the forehead.
Mr Poulter turned away and pretended to have trouble with one of his dancing pumps.
A minute or two later, three grimy, uncouth-looking men came into the hall, whom Mavis took to be gasmen.
"Here's the 'Godolphin Band,'" said Mr Poulter, as he caught sight of them.
"All except Baffy: 'e's always late," remarked one of the men.
Mavis was introduced to the three members of the band, all of whom seemed to be somewhat abashed by her striking appearance.
"What about evening dress?" asked Mr Poulter of the trio.
Two of the men coughed and hesitated before saying:
"Very sorry, Mr Poulter, but Christmas coming and all that, sir—"