The introductions were gone through; the Admiral let off another
speech of welcome, and plunged with the Honourable Frederic into a
long discussion of Troy, its scenery and neighbourhood; the three
girls sat bolt upright, each on the edge of her chair; and their
brother took his hostess' extended hand with a bashful grin.

"Ah, Mr. Buzza, I am interested in you already--my husband has been
telling me how he met you."

"Proud to hear it," muttered Sam.

"Oh, yes. I hope we shall be great friends. It is so kind of you
all to call."

Sam asked her not to mention it; and looked at his father, whose face
was by this time purple with conversation.

"I say, ain't the old boy enjoying himself, though!" he remarked in a
sudden burst of confidence. "What do you think of him?"

Mrs. Goodwyn-Sandys smiled sweetly, and replied that the Admiral was
"so thorough."

"Thorough old duffer, you mean. Look at him. What with his gold
spangles and his talking to Mr. Goodwyn-Sandys, he's as proud as a
cock on a wall."

His hostess laughed. "You are very frank," she said.