By his side was standing the other dinner guest who had shown some interest in Beatrice.

He was a man apparently of about forty years of age, tall and broad-shouldered, with black moustache, and dark, piercing eyes.

Unlike most of the guests, he wore a short dinner-coat and black tie, from which, and his slight accent, Tavernake concluded that he was probably an American.
"Say, you'll forgive my speaking to you," he said, touching Tavernake on the arm.

"My name is Pritchard.

I saw you come in with the young lady who was singing a few minutes ago, and if you won't consider it a liberty, I'll be very glad indeed if you'll answer me one question." Tavernake stiffened insensibly.
"It depends upon the question," he replied, shortly.
"Well, it's about the young lady, and that's a fact," Mr.Pritchard admitted.