'Penny for your thoughts,' said Victoria's man.
'Wasn't thinking,' she said. 'I was looking.'
'Looking? are you new here?'
'Yes, it's the first time I've come.'
'By Jove! It must be an eye-opener.' He laughed.
'It is rather. It doesn't seem half bad.'
'You're right there. I'm an old stager.' A slightly complacent expression came over his face. He filled up the glasses. 'You don't spoil the collection, you know,' he added. 'You're a bit of all right.' He looked at her approvingly.
'Am I?' She looked at him demurely. Then, plunging once more, 'I hope you'll still think so by and by.' The man's eyes dwelled for a moment on her face and neck, his breath became audible suddenly. She felt his foot softly stroke hers. He drew his napkin across his lips.
'Well,' he said with an assumption of ease, 'shall we go?'
'I don't mind,' said Victoria getting up.