"Don't take it too seriously. You know how people talk."
"Yes, but I don't want them to talk like that about her! She's the best friend I've got."
He hesitated in surprise at his own vehemence.
"Have you observed one thing?" Lord Ettrick enquired after a pause. "Neither of us has mentioned the lady's name."
"Well——"
"Exactly. Well, if it wasn't necessary for me, who after all don't go about very much—But you needn't take it to heart."
"Oh, I'm not," said Eric carelessly. "And, as you said, I shall only have myself to blame if the story's not scotched here and now."
"I'll propose the King's health now," said Lord Ettrick, "and then we can have something to smoke."
2
By the simple standard of applause, Eric achieved a success. Abandoning his prepared speech, he followed Lord Ettrick's lead, picked up his cues and surrendered himself to the moment. It was something of a triumph to amuse others when he was so little amused himself.