He had not to wait long, for Blandford and a couple of companions drove up punctually in a hansom--all of them, to Reginald's horror, being arrayed in full evening dress.
"Hullo, Cruden, you've turned up then," said Blandford.

"What, not in regimentals?
You usen't to be backward in that way.

Never mind; they say dress after seven o'clock here, but they're not strict.

We can smuggle you in." Oh, how Reginald wished he was safe back in Dull Street! "By the way," continued Blandford, "these are two friends of mine, Cruden--Mr Shanklin and Mr Pillans.

Cruden's an old Wilderham fellow, you know," he added, in an explanatory aside.
The gentleman introduced as Mr Shanklin stared curiously at Reginald for a few seconds, and then shook hands.