“’nTwas,” said Warner blithely. “When I saw him, and he saw her, and she waited to see what he’d say when he saw her, why I just said it for him, d’ye see? ‘You’ve come to get congratulated, now haven’t you?’ I accused him. And he half murdered my hand, and said that that was about it.”
“And then——?” It was Sheila, the little society lady, who questioned very softly. But she did not look at Warner.
“Oh, then, having said my piece, I went away and left him to say his. And do you know”—Warner’s drawl was one of exceeding gentleness—“I’ve always cared for—Jack; like one cares for oneself, you know, the person who should have been oneself. And I’m sure she likes him; better than the elephant. Such a clumsy, conceited beast, an elephant.”
He turned to have a laugh with Hawley, who—with singular interest—was still standing by the door; when just then, in came Knollys Verplanck, laden with parcels, and a little air of excitement as well. “I’ve brought you your guest, Sheila,” he announced, over the heads of some superfluous people. “Her husband deserted her at the door, to attend to some luggage, so I offered myself as escort. Their boat got in a bit ahead of time, you see.”
With a little rush, Sheila had come forward. “Joan, you angel, you wretch, for not sending me a wireless—oh, where are these lights! Turn them on, do, Jim—and then I want you to meet Mrs. Herrington. She’s—oh!” And every one else in the room drew in their breath involuntarily also; for the lady with whom Warner was shaking hands, was dressed in a blue tailored gown. And on a fine gold chain about her neck she wore a tiny carved jade elephant.
“And is its name still Jim?” asked Warner, gently.
“Awfully funny, Warner,” said Knollys to Hawley, mechanically.
“Awfully funny,” agreed Hawley—a bit uncertainly.
VI
CHALMERS—CLEARLY A CLUBMAN
“But I can tell you one thing, Claire”—Patsy looked at her stepmother across a sea of chiffon, surging round seven fat red-lettered trunks—“never do I go abroad for six months again! And if the Angel’s education perishes (grimly) it’ll have to perish, that’s all; as long as his father—as long as Warren remains what he is. Of course, I’ve always known Warren was weak, but——”