"Ah Mr.
Longdon!"-- she spoke with eagerness now.
Vanderbank instantly waved his hat.

"Dear old boy!" "Between you all, at any rate," she said more gaily, "you've brought me down." Vanderbank made no answer till they met their friend, when, by way of greeting, he simply echoed her words.

"Between us all, you'll be glad to know, we've brought her down." Mr.Longdon looked from one of them to the other.

"Where have you been together ?" Nanda was the first to respond.

"Only talking--on a bench." "Well, _I_ want to talk on a bench!" Their friend showed a spirit.
"With me, of course ?"--Vanderbank met it with encouragement.
The girl said nothing, but Mr.Longdon sought her eyes.