"Certainly," Ray responded, cordially, and politely extended his cigar to him.
The man made use of it, then returned it, with thanks, remarking, as he turned to walk along with him:
"Glorious night, this!"
"Indeed it is—we seldom have so perfect an evening," Ray heartily responded.
"Quite a blow-out, too," added Mr. Hamblin, who was somewhat given to slang. "Wellington is a generous old codger, and has done things up in fine style."
"Yes, I should say the ball has been a great success, at least everybody has appeared to enjoy it," Ray politely replied.
He was not very well pleased with the young man's enforced companionship; he would have much preferred to be left to his own reflections.
"That is so, and there were lots of pretty girls on the floor," Mr.
Hamblin went on, in his free-and-easy style, "and the costumes were
exceptionally fine, too. By the way," with a covert look at Ray, "that
Miss Montague is a remarkably beautiful girl."
Ray felt a great inward shock go through him at this observation, and he was on his guard in an instant.
"Miss Montague!" he repeated, bending a keen glance upon his companion, "was there a Miss Montague here this evening?"