Dicky started after him, and, presently, Mrs.Portheris and I were regarding each other with more friendliness than I would have believed possible across our flaring dips in the silence of the Catacombs.
"Poor old gentleman," I said; "I hope Mr.Dod will overtake him." "So do I, indeed," said Mrs.Portheris.

"I fear we have been very inconsiderate.

But young people are always so impatient," she added, and put the blame where it belonged.
I did not retaliate with so much as a reproachful glance.

Even as a censor Mrs.Portheris was so eminently companionable at the moment.

But as we waited for Dicky's return neither of us spoke again.