He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know—it’s difficult of adjustment.—What brings you here, may I inquire?”
“We were in Washington and came over with the Westons to the Officers’ Hop to-night—given for the Secretary of something. He’s one of the Cabinet. We return in the morning.”
“Oh, I see,” he answered; the relief in his voice would have missed a less acute ear. “Where are you going now?”
“To a tea at the Superintendent’s, when the Westons join us. Come along!”
“I haven’t acquired the Washington habit,—yet!” he laughed. “A man at a tea fight! Oh, no!” 121
“Then go to the dance with us—Colin! you’ll go, won’t you?”
“Sure!” said Macloud. “I’ll follow your voice any place. Where shall it be?”
“To the Hop, to-night.”
“We’re not invited—if that cuts any figure.”
“You’ll go in our party. Ah! Mrs. Weston, I’ve presumed to ask Mr. Macloud and Mr. Croyden to join our party to-night.”