I hope you haven't waited ?" "Your hope is not in vain, young man," replied Howard, suavely; "but I will come and sit beside you while you stoke." With Measom's aid Stafford was soon into dry clothes and seated at lunch, and, as he had promised, Howard drew a chair to the table, and contemplated him with vicarious enjoyment.
"What an appetite you have!" he drawled, admiringly.

"I imagine it would stand by you, even if you were in love.

As a specimen of the perfectly healthy animal you stand preeminent, my dear Stafford.

By the way, shall I spoil your lunch if I read you out a list of the guests whom we are expecting this afternoon?
Sir Stephen was good enough to furnish me with it, with the amiable wish that I might find some friend on it.

What do you say to Lord and Lady Fitzharford; the Countess of Clansford; the Baron Wirsch; the Right Honourable Henry Efford; Sir William and Lady Plaistow--" Stafford looked up and smiled.
"Any more ?" "Oh, yes.