"O'Brien," exclaimed their host as they reached his side, "I've been trying to get to you, but," with a whimsical glance down at Sheila Pat, "I'm under orders to-night. I've never been so polite before in all my life. Now shake hands! You'll be heard of some day, O'Brien!"
Denis flushed and laughed.
"I'd like to tell you something—"
"Eh?" The glasses flashed on him quickly. He drew him aside.
"Well? Well?"
Presently they heard him give a satisfied chuckle.
"Good! Good! That accounts for a certain want of polish. The sentences were at times crude—abrupt—rounded off carelessly. There was tautology once or twice. Good! I'm glad you told me! I like your family. Shake again! Ah, there's Lancaster. Young man," gripping Ted's shoulder as he passed, "I have great hopes for you! For you have made just the same beginning as I did myself many years ago." He twinkled humorously and shook hands with great heartiness. Nell thought of the little man's reported "wildness." She had decided that it was very rude indeed of Ted not to trouble to come back to her when she was keeping his place for him. So her good night lacked warmth. But then so did his.
Mr. Yovil turned to Sheila Pat; he tilted up her face and eyed her amusedly.
"Have I worked you too hard, my Social Prompter?"
She shook her head.