"Dear, perhaps Mr. Edgerton doesn't quite understand your manner of saying things."
"That's just it; he does understand! He is going to turn out exceedingly nice, mother; watch him!"
"Christine! Please be a little less personal and abrupt."
They turned, smiling, toward the other end of the table where much laughter sounded. Evidently Diana and Silvette were becoming very popular, and, somehow, it occurred to Edgerton that perhaps this great room had not often resounded with mirth.
But the chatter and laughter were incessant now; so were the servants' ministrations, and Edgerton was glad enough to give his arm to the faded little woman beside him and take her to her great, gilded chair in the drawing-room, and follow the men to another room, where blue smoke from cigars presently floated to the ceiling.
Jack Rivett, rather too plump and smooth, moved into a chair beside Edgerton; and the latter, who had prejudged him from his appearance, was slightly surprised to find the youth widely read, widely traveled, with a mind and even a wit entirely his own, and an original but sometimes callow comment for any subject brought up.
In a desultory conversation it presently transpired that young Rivett was a candidate for the Patroon's Club.
"You're a member, I believe; are you not?" he asked Edgerton.
"I have resigned."
"Oh! I thought that was the one club from which nobody ever resigned. I beg your pardon, Edgerton!" he added, turning red; "don't think me a cad."