Drake received a notion of unimpressive prettiness and turned his attention to the stage.

When the lights were raised again in the auditorium, he noticed that Fielding was in the box talking to a gentleman with white hair, and that Mallinson was seated by the side of Miss Le Mesurier.

The latter couple were gazing about the house and apparently discussing the audience,--at all events conversing with considerable animation.

Drake commented upon their manner and drew the conventional inference.
'Oh dear, no!' answered Conway energetically.

'Of course Mallinson's aim is apparent enough, poor fellow.' A touch of scorn in the voice, which rang false, negatived the pity of the phrase.