“Delighted,” said Mrs. Fontaine. “Miss Clementina Wing is quite a character. I should like to see more of her.”
Quixtus, his mind full of sweet atonement, did not detect any trace of acidity in her words.
On the stroke of one, the time appointed for luncheon, Clementina and Sheila appeared at the end of the long lounge, Tommy and Etta straggling in their wake. Quixtus rose from the table where his three friends were seated, and advanced to meet them. Sheila ran forward and he took her in his arms and kissed her.
“You didn’t ask these children to lunch, but I brought ’em.”
“They’re very welcome,” said Quixtus, smiling.
Tommy, his fair face aflame with joy, wrung his hand. “I told you I would look you up in the Hôtel Continental. By Jove! I am glad to see you. I’ve been an awful ass, you know. Of course I thought——”
“Hush! Hush!” said Quixtus. “My dear Miss Concannon, I am delighted to see you.”
“She goes by the name of Etta,” said Tommy, proudly.
Clementina jerked her thumb towards them:
“Engaged. Young idiots!”