For a few minutes the conversation became more general until, after a brief hum and stir, congenial spirits sought and found each other and settled down into little groups of twos and threes.

Somewhat to Nan's surprise--and, although she would not have acknowledged it, to her annoyance--Peter Mallory ensconced himself next to Penelope, and Ralph Fenton, the singer, thus driven from the haven where he would be, came to anchor beside Nan.
"I've not seen you for a long time, Miss Davenant.

How's the world been treating you ?" "Rather better than usual," she replied gaily.

"More ha'pence than kicks for once in a way." "You're booking up pretty deep for the winter, then, I suppose ?" Nan winced at the professional jargon.

There was certain aspects of a musician's life which repelled her, more particularly the commercial side of it.
She responded indifferently.
"No.