Sullivan, while everyone turned to observe the unknown shy young man
who was escorting Marie Deschamps.

"Here he is," my companion said at length, as we neared the orchestra,
"listening to the band. He should have a band, the little dear!
Sullivan, introduce me to your cousin."

"Charmed--delighted." And Sullivan beamed with pleasure. "Ah, my young
friend," he went on to me, "you know your way about fairly well. But
there! medical students--they're all alike. Well, what do you think of
the show?"

"Hasn't he done it awfully well, Mr. Foster?" said Miss Deschamps.

I said that I should rather think he had.

"Look here," said Sullivan, becoming grave and dropping his voice,
"there are four hundred invitations, and it'll cost me seven hundred
and fifty pounds. But it pays. You know that, don't you, Marie? Look
at the advertisement! And I've got a lot of newspaper chaps here.
It'll be in every paper to-morrow. I reckon I've done this thing on
the right lines. It's only a reception, of course, but let me tell you
I've seen after the refreshments--not snacks--refreshments, mind you!
And there's a smoke-room for the boys, and the wife's got a
spiritualism-room, and there's the show in this room. Some jolly good
people here, too--not all chorus girls and walking gents. Are they,
Marie?"

"You bet not," the lady replied.