"Do you object?" Gladys asked.
"Does a thirsty man refuse drink?"
"Not if he is thirsty—and not always if he isn't."
"I trust I shall always be thirsty—and deserving."
"It is up to yourself, Mr. Porshinger," she said.
And he understood. He was being given his chance to make good—to make friends—to make himself popular. If he failed, he would have only himself to blame. His look wandered around the table. Pendleton was just across between Mrs. Burleston and Miss Tazewell. Cameron was Mrs. Lorraine's partner.
Presently she turned and greeted him with a smile.
"I hope you suffered no ill effects from the unfortunate experience of yesterday," he said.
"None whatever!" she laughed. "Not even a bruise. I might fancy I flew over the fence, if I didn't know otherwise. However, I avoided the Overton path this morning."
"You walked this morning?" he asked.