His one woman-friend, as everybody knew, was the flighty, go-ahead Lady Heyburn.
Of the country-house party he was usually the life and soul.

No man could invent so many practical jokes or carry them on with such refinement of humour as he.

Therefore, if the hostess wished to impart merriment among her guests, she sought out and sent a pressing invitation to "Jimmy" Flockart.

A first-class shot, an excellent tennis-player, a good golfer, and quite a good hand at putting a stone in curling, he was an all-round sportsman who was sure to be highly popular with his fellow-guests.

Hence up in the north his advent was always welcomed with loud approbation.
To those who knew him, and knew him well, this confidential conversation with the woman whose platonic friendship he had enjoyed through so many years would certainly have caused greatest surprise.