I can't think what I have done with it." "Dropped it, perhaps." "No; I _fancy"_--frowning as if trying to remember--"that I gave it to somebody to keep for me." "Tom, perhaps," dryly.
"I think not." "Well, your partner for this dance, whoever he is, doesn't seem to be in a hurry to claim you," says Rylton, making his rude speech very suavely.

"You may as well give it to me." At this moment Hescott, looking rather out of breath, comes up to them, pushing the curtain near him aside.
"What a place to hide yourself!" says he to Tita.

"I have been hunting for you everywhere." Here he catches sight of Rylton.

"Oh, you, Rylton! Tita is in good company, at all events." "She is always in good company, of course," returns Rylton, smiling.
"Why, is it _you,_ then, who is my partner ?" says Tita, quickly looking at Tom.

"Maurice wants me to dance this with him.