As an ordinary clever, well-bred man of the world he might have done this almost mechanically; but I fancied that he found real enjoyment in the light and picturesque talk of his two neighbours.

When the ladies left us, he discussed easy politics with the Member for our own division of the County.

In the drawing-room, afterwards, he played a rubber at bridge, happened to hold good cards and smiled an hour away.

When the last guest departed, he yawned, excused himself on the ground of healthy fatigue and went straight off to bed.

Barbara and I congratulated ourselves on the success of our dinner-party.