'Begging your pardon, I haven't eaten anything yet; and talking of grub, what do you say to coming and having some? There's a splendid spread behind that glass screen,' he said.
'It's much too early. Don't be so greedy, but come and rink before it gets too full,' said Horatia; and the two went off.
When they had made several rounds, Horatia stopped near the two tall girls who had come in first, and they immediately complimented her on her rinking. 'You rink as if you thought no one was looking at you,' they told her.
Horatia laughed. 'How should one rink when people are looking? In a different way?' she asked.
'No, one shouldn't; only most people look a little self-conscious,' they replied.
Horatia noticed the slight Yorkshire intonation which she thought so musical, and was inclined to laugh at her former fears, for there were no 'Mark Clays' at the party, and she soon heard many familiar names mentioned as being present.
One of the Maddox party eventually asked her to have an ice. 'Come and sit in this alcove place, and I'll fetch you one,' he suggested.
Horatia was tired, for she had already rinked for some time in the morning, and she sat back in the alcove, half-hidden from sight.
'I always wonder how many more entertainments Mark Clay will hold out for?' said a voice quite near her.
'Why, is he shaky?' inquired another.