He did not exist for them.

With a flush of annoyance he spoke, and breaking from Helen, passed on.

A sudden silence in the groups nearby gave evidence that the incident had been observed.

Then whispers rose.
"Boys, aren't you dancing ?" asked Helen, with a mocking sweetness.
"Let me teach you the new steps." "Thanks, Helen," replied Lane, in sudden weariness.

"But I couldn't go it." "Why did you come?
To blow us up again?
Lose your nerve ?" "Yes, I lost it to-night--and something more." "Blair, you shouldn't have left one of your legs in France," she said, turning to Blair.