morrow," Joan overheard him say a minute later.

Mr. Sam Halliday she liked at once. He was a clean-shaven, square-jawed
young man, with quiet eyes and a pleasant voice.

"Try and find me brainy," he whispered to her, as soon as Flossie was out
of earshot. "Talk to me about China. I'm quite intelligent on China."

They both laughed, and then shot a guilty glance in Flossie's direction.

"Do the women really crush their feet?" asked Joan.

"Yes," he answered. "All those who have no use for them. About one per
cent. of the population. To listen to Miss Tolley you would think that
half the women wanted a new husband every ten years. It's always the one
per cent. that get themselves talked about. The other ninety-nine are
too busy."

"You are young for a philosopher," said Joan.

He laughed. "I told you I'd be all right if you started me on China," he
said.

"Why are you marrying. Flossie?" Joan asked him. She thought his point
of view would be interesting.

"Not sure I am yet," he answered with a grin. "It depends upon how I get
through this evening." He glanced round the room. "Have I got to pass
all this crowd, I wonder?" he added.