A simple handshake, and in a few moments they were all five chatting together, Mrs.Van Decken's portrait prominent in the conversation.
Mallory had altered in some indefinable way.

In the fugitive glances she stole at him Nan could see that he was thinner, his face a trifle worn-looking, and the old whimsical light had died out of his eyes, replaced by a rather bitter sadness.
"You'd better come and dine with us to-night, Mallory," said Fenton, pausing as they were about to leave.

"Penelope and I are due at the Albert Hall later on, but we shall be home fairly early and you can entertain Nan in our absence.

It's purely a ballad concert, so she doesn't care to go with us--it's not high-brow enough!"-- with a twinkle in Nan's direction.
She glanced at Peter swiftly.

Would he refuse?
There was the slightest pause.