He was struck by the agility with which his old friend descended the stairs, and smiled afresh at the increasing possibilities of the situation.
"I say, this is very pleasant," beamed Mr. Walkingshaw as they jingled off in a hansom.
Rather bashfully he took from his overcoat pocket a pair of dazzling white kid gloves.
"These are the proper things in the evening, aren't they?" he inquired. "I notice you've got on a pair."
His guest chuckled.
"They'll do to dance in afterwards if we go on to Covent Garden," he laughed, and then added waggishly, "How would you like to go to a fancy dress ball, Heriot?"
"Is there one on to-night?" asked Heriot.
"Yes."
"Are you going?"