But people don't come to converse," was the answer.
"You enjoy this kind of thing, I fancy ?" "I don't find it disagreeable." The chaperon and Miss Tomalin were moving away; May cast a look at Lashmar, but he was unconscious of it.

Constance turned to follow her companions, and Dyce stood alone again.
Half an hour later, the circling currents to which he surrendered himself brought him before a row of chairs, where sat the three ladies and, by the side of Miss Tomalin, Lord Dymchurch.

May, flushed and bright-eyed, was talking at a great rate; she seemed to be laying down the law in some matter, and Dymchurch, respectfully bent towards her, listened with a thoughtful smile.

Dyce approached, and spoke to Constance.

A few moments afterwards, Lord Dymchurch rose, bowed, and withdrew; whereupon Lashmar asked Miss Tomalin's permission to take the vacant chair.