You can have a quarter of it, if you like, and the other two chaps can go halves in the rest." With which the unprincipled youth absconded into the supper-room.
"And who is that talking to your charming cousin ?" asked a dowager who had succeeded in capturing Roger for five minutes in a corner.
"Oh, that's my tutor, Armstrong--the best fellow in the world." "Evidently a great admirer of Miss Oliphant.

No doubt the attraction is mutual ?" Roger laughed, and speculated on Armstrong's horror were he to hear of such a suggestion.
"And that gentleman talking to Captain Oliphant?
What relation is he ?" "He?
None at all.

He's a Mr Ratman, an Indian friend of my guardian's." "Dear me! I quite thought he was an Ingleton by his face--but I'm glad he is not; I dislike his appearance.

Besides, he has already had more than is good for him." "He's no great favourite," said Roger shortly.
Presently Captain Oliphant and his companion stepped up to where Rosalind and her partner stood.
"Mr Armstrong," said the former, "will you kindly see that the band gets supper after the next dance ?" The words were spoken politely, and Mr Armstrong, although he knew that the speaker's solicitude on behalf of the band was by no means as great as his desire to see the tutor's back, felt he could hardly refuse.
"Rosalind," said the Captain, looking significantly at his daughter, "Mr Ratman desires the pleasure of a dance, and will take you into the next room." Rosalind tossed her head and flushed.
"Thank you; I am tired," said she.

"I prefer not to dance at present." "You are keeping Mr Ratman waiting, my dear." The colour died out of the girl's face as, with a little shiver, she laid the tips of her fingers on her partner's arm.
"That's right," said that genial individual.