To tell the truth, I made myself scarce, slipping off to the other end of the big room in the hope of evading the kind intentions of Miss Holmes.

I have a great dislike of being put out of my place, and I felt that among all these local celebrities it was not fitting that I should be selected to take in the future bride on an occasion of this sort.

But it was of no use, for presently Lord Ragnall hunted me up, bringing the young lady with him.
"Let me introduce you to Miss Holmes, Quatermain," he said.

"She is anxious that you should take her in to dinner, if you will be so kind.
She is very interested in--in----" "Africa," I suggested.
"In Mr.Quatermain, who, I am told, is one of the greatest hunters in Africa," she corrected me, with a dazzling smile.
I bowed, not knowing what to say.

Lord Ragnall laughed and vanished, leaving us together.