"So I gather," said John. "Yes, I saw something—not very much—of Master Peter in London. You see I am not much of a society man;" and he laughed.
"Was Peter a society man?" said his mother, laughing also, but rather sadly.
"He went out a good deal, and was to be met with in most places," John answered.
"I read his name in lists of dances given by people I did not know he had ever heard of. But I did not like to ask him how he managed to get invited. He rather dislikes being questioned," said Lady Mary, describing Peter's prejudices as mildly as possible.
"I fancy Miss Sarah could tell you," said John, with twinkling eyes.
"I did not know—just a girl—could get a stranger, a boy like Peter, invited everywhere," said Lady Mary, innocently.
John laughed. "Peter is a very eligible boy," he said, "and Sarah is not 'just a girl,' but a very clever young woman indeed; and Lady Tintern is a ball-giver. But if he had been the most ordinary of youths, a bachelor's foothold on the dance-lists is the easiest thing in the world to obtain. It means nothing in itself."
"I think it meant a good deal to Peter," said his mother, with a sigh.
"If only I could think Sarah were in earnest."
"I don't see why not," said John.
Then he came and took Lady Mary's hand, and led her to a seat next the fire.