Hal danced several more numbers, with more politeness than enjoyment, then sought out his hostess to say good-night.
"I'll see you to-morrow, then," she said: "and you shall tell me all your news."
"You're awfully good to me, Lady Jeannette," said he gratefully. "Without you I'd be a lost soul in this town."
"Most people are good to you, I fancy, Hal," said she, looking him over with approval. "As for being a lost soul, you don't look it. In fact you look like a very well-found soul, indeed."
"It is rather a cheerful world to live in," said Hal with apparent irrelevance.
"I hope they haven't spoiled you," she said anxiously. "Are you vain, Hal? No: you don't look it."
"What on earth should I be vain about? I've never done anything in the world."
"No? Yet you've improved. You've solidified. What have you been doing to yourself? Not falling in love?"
"Not that, certainly," he replied, smiling. "Nothing much but traveling."
"How did you like Esmé Elliot?" she asked abruptly.