"He had secured a table at Sherry's; he had ordered lunch, and all was ready." It was too great an effort to resist his entreaty.

Perhaps no one wished to do so.

The girls were utterly tired and hungry, and the thought of one of Fred's lunches was very pleasant.

Even if Basil Stanhope was with them, it appeared to be all the better.

Fred always included Dora's lover with a charming courtesy; and, indeed, at such hours, was in his most delightful mood.