At the instant Grant came up, elbowing his way through the press, and staring insolently into my eyes, even as he bowed politely to the lady beside me.
"At least this is my privilege," he insisted, "unless there be another previous engagement of which I am ignorant." "Oh, no," and she rested her hands on the green sleeve, smiling from his face into mine.

"We were waiting for you to come.

Good-night, Lieutenant Fortesque." They had taken a step or two, when Grant halted, holding her arm tightly as he glanced back to where I stood.
"Would Lieutenant Fortesque spare me a moment after I have found the lady a seat ?" he questioned politely.
"Gladly, if you do not keep me waiting too long." "Then there will be no delay.

Shall we say the parlor below ?" I bowed, conscious of the mute appeal in the lady's face, yet with no excuse for refusal.
"As well there as anywhere, sir." Once again we bowed with all the punctilious ceremony of mutual dislike, and he whispered something into her ear as they disappeared in the stream of people.

My cheeks burned with indignation at his cool insolence.