The moment speech was possible, she leaned forward, smiling frankly at him before them all.
"Mr Sinclair, will you accept a mere token by way of consolation prize? We are all agreed you put up a splendid fight; and it was no dishonour to be defeated by—such an adversary."
Fresh clapping and shouting; while Roy—elated and overwhelmed—went forward like a man walking in a dream.
It was a dream-woman who pinned the rosebud in his empty button-hole, patting it into shape with the lightest touch of her finger-tips, saying, "Well done indeed," and smiling at him again....
Without a word he saluted and walked away.
She had done it prettily, past question; and in a fashion all her own.
FOOTNOTES:
[24] Marquee tent.
[25] Criminal Investigation Department.
[26] Well done.