While they thus conversed, the quadrille had been formed, and now the dance was just about to begin.
'Shall you mind very much if we do not dance this time?' inquired Angela of her companion.
'Not at all,' answered Isaac, much relieved; 'not if I may talk to you instead,' he added shyly.
He had committed himself now to a task far more difficult to him than even dancing a quadrille; for of what topics to choose as conversation with the fair creature by his side, he had not the slightest idea. So they walked on in awkward silence.
'Would you mind making me known to your brother?' Isaac at length asked.
'I will with pleasure,' she returned; and seeing him approach in their direction, she caught his arm, and introduced him to Mr Webb as her brother Herbert, from abroad.
'Very pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr Webb,' said he. And then, after a pause, and with an almost imperceptible glance at Isaac's clothes and general appearance, he continued: 'If it is not a rude question, are you a resident in London, or merely making a short stay in it?'
Isaac hated to be questioned; but he must answer; there was no help for it. 'I am staying for a time here,' he said vaguely, 'but my regular home is in the country.'
'Staying with friends, I suppose?' pursued Mr Faithful, not at all abashed.
'No,' answered Isaac; 'I am staying at a coffee-house.'