Stacy would understand, as he did, her pretty willfulness at last; she would understand what a true friend Stacy was to him.

It was with unfeigned satisfaction that he followed them in to dinner as she leaned upon his guest's arm, chatting confidentially.

He was only uneasy because her manner had a slight ostentation.
The entrance of the little party produced a quick sensation throughout the dining-room.

Whispers passed from table to table; all heads were turned towards the great financier as towards a magnet; a few guests even shamelessly faced round in their chairs as he passed.

Mrs.Barker was pink, pretty, and voluble with excitement; Stacy had a slight mask of reserve; Barker was the only one natural and unconscious.
As the dinner progressed Barker found that there was little chance for him to invoke his old partner's memories of the past.