"Yes, I think so, thank you," she answered, with a pretty smile. "I
am enjoying myself very much."

There was just the least suggestion of shyness in her manner, and it
is just possible that this softened the old cynic's heart, for his
manner was kinder and almost fatherly when he spoke again.

"Ah!" he said, "at your time of life you do not want much--plenty of
partners and a few ices. Both easily obtainable."

The last words were turned into a compliment by the courtly
inclination of the head that accompanied them.

The exigencies of the moment forced the young people to go with the
stream.

"Jack," said Sir John, as they passed on, "when you have been
deprived of Miss Chyne's society, come and console yourself with a
glass of sherry."

The dutiful son nodded a semi-indifferent acquiescence and
disappeared.

"Wonderful thing, sherry!" observed Sir John Meredith for his own
edification.

He waited there until Jack returned, and then they set off in search
of refreshment. The son seemed to know his whereabouts better than
the father.