"Do you know that girl who was talking about the hawks?" he asked.
"Yes, I have been introduced to her. She is the girl of the house."
"I am afraid you are missing a dance," said Allan, with grave concern. "We had better go in, had we not?"
"Yes, I fear I am behaving badly to somebody; but it is so much nicer here than in those hot rooms."
"Infinitely preferable; but one has a duty to one's neighbour."
They met a youth in quest of the porcelain girl.
"Oh, Miss Mercer, how could you desert me so long? Our waltz is half over!"
Allan breathed more freely, having handed over Miss Mercer. He made his way quickly to the hall where Mrs. Mornington was still on guard, receiving the latest comers, sending the first batch into the supper-room, and dictating to everybody.
"I shall not leave your elbow till you have introduced me to Miss Vincent," he said, planting himself near his hostess.
"If you don't take care, you will have to give me some supper," replied she, "I am beginning to feel sinking. And I think it would be a good plan for me to sup early in order to see that things are as they should be."