"None!" Romayne answered sharply.
But Major Hynd was not to be discouraged by sharp replies. "Miss
Eyrecourt and I have been recalling our first meeting on board the
steamboat," he went on. "Do you remember how indifferent you were to
that beautiful person when I asked you if you knew her? I'm glad to see
that you show better taste to-night. I wish I knew her well enough to
shake hands as you did."
"Hynd! When a young man talks nonsense, his youth is his excuse. At your
time of life, you have passed the excusable age--even in the estimation
of your friends."
With those words Romayne turned away. The incorrigible Major instantly
met the reproof inflicted on him with a smart answer. "Remember," he
said, "that I was the first of your friends to wish you happiness!" He,
too, turned away--in the direction of the champagne and the sandwiches.
Meanwhile, Stella had discovered Penrose, lost in the brilliant
assemblage of guests, standing alone in a corner. It was enough for her
that Romayne's secretary was also Romayne's friend. Passing by titled
and celebrated personages, all anxious to speak to her, she joined the
shy, nervous, sad-looking little man, and did all she could to set him
at his ease.
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