He rose suddenly to his feet.
"May I go out and have a drink ?" he asked.

"I won't go if you don't want to be alone." "My dear friend, I do not mind in the least," she assured him.

"If you find Mr.Norgate, send him here." In one of the smaller refreshment rooms sat Mr.Selingman, a bottle of champagne before him and a wondrously attired lady on either side.

The heads of all three were close together.

The lady on the left was talking in a low tone but with many gesticulations.
"Dear friend," she exclaimed, "for one single moment you must not think that I am ungrateful! But consider.