‘Charming young lady, Miss Wynter,’ Master Dick ventured to remark presently to her ladyship.
‘I’m pleased you think so. Bella’s a sweet girl, though I say it who ought not. She is looking towards us. I believe she has something to say to you, Mr Golightly.’
‘Has she? Then perhaps your ladyship will kindly excuse me.’ He rose, glad enough to get away from the dowager, and crossed to his lady-love.
‘A young nincompoop, if ever there was one!’ was the complimentary remark that followed him. ‘Bella ought to be able to twist him round her little finger.’
‘At last, my darling!’ whispered the young man as he drew a chair up close to Miss Wynter.
‘You dreadful, dreadful Dick!’
‘What would I not venture for your sake, my pet!’
‘I’m not your pet.’
‘Deny it, if you dare. But what put all that rigmarole into her ladyship’s head about my father the bishop, and’——
But at this moment the dull clangour of the dinner gong made itself heard throughout the hotel. There was a general movement in the room.