Pembroke rang the bell. A servant entered.
"What o'clock is it?"
"Nine, sir."
"Who are above?"
"My lady, sir, and a large party of ladies."
"There, now!" cried Shafto, yawning and kicking out his legs. "You surely won't go to be bored with such maudlin company?"
"I choose to join your mother," replied Pembroke. "Are there any gentlemen, Stephen?"
"One sir: Doctor Denton."
"Off with you!" roared Shafto; "what do you stand jabbering there for? You won't let me sleep. Can't you send away the fellow, and go look yourself?"
"I will, if you can persuade yourself to rise off that sofa and come with me."