He was cordial with everybody, he was at once a host, with an easy, offhand hospitality that he had learned for Hermione's friends.

He had just come down from London, from the House.
At once the atmosphere of the House of Commons made itself felt over the lawn: the Home Secretary had said such and such a thing, and he, Roddice, on the other hand, thought such and such a thing, and had said so-and-so to the PM.
Now Hermione came round the bushes with Gerald Crich.

He had come along with Alexander.

Gerald was presented to everybody, was kept by Hermione for a few moments in full view, then he was led away, still by Hermione.

He was evidently her guest of the moment.
There had been a split in the Cabinet; the minister for Education had resigned owing to adverse criticism.