('Perfectly sound!' grumbled Captain Willis, 'but why do it ?') Vincy was listening, enjoying himself.

Bruce came in at last, evidently engaged in an absorbed and intimate conversation with Aylmer Ross.

They seemed so much interested in their talk that they went to the other end of the room and sat down there together.

Aylmer gave her one glance only.
Edith was unreasonably annoyed.

What on earth could he and Bruce find to talk about?
At length, growing tired of her position, she got up, and walked across the room to look at a picture on the wall, turning her graceful back to the room.
Bruce had now at last left his companion, but still Aylmer Ross did not go and speak to her, though he was sitting alone.
Musical chairs began in the studio.