Music was playing loudly and the people danced, waltzing in circles and walking about in promenade.
Hartford went up to almost everybody on the floor searching for his beloved Mercedes, but everybody shook their heads in their regret for not seeing her.
Boy was walking towards Brook as did Hartford. He asked the Lord Brook the same question as he had been asking everyone, this evening.
"Excuse me, my Lord. I wonder if you have seen my Mercedes?"
"Yes." said Brook. "She's a lovely girl, and you both look very good together."
"I am sorry, Lord — I meant, that I have lost her at the party tonight. Do you know where she is?" Hartford asked again.
"No, I don't, Hartford. Have you looked in the parlour and checked the water-closet?" Brook suggested.
"She's not there!"
Boy came up to both men. He didn't say a thing but Brook knew that something was wrong.
They exchanged glances at one another and briefly Hartford became pale, then forced a smile.