"I see; and my name is Lorton, Eleanor Lorton, commonly called Nell
Lorton--because I have a brother. And the story?"
Sir Charles laughed.
"Oh, it's too old; but, old as it is, I had forgotten to take its moral
to heart. A man was leaning against the wall, yawning, at an evening
party. He was fearfully bored, for he knew scarcely any one there, and
had been brought at the last moment by a friend. As he was making up his
mind to cut it, another man came and leaned against the wall beside him
and yawned, also. Said the first: 'Awful slow, isn't it?' 'Yes,' replied
Number Two, 'frightful crush and beastly hot.' 'Dreadful. I could stand
it a little longer if that woman at the piano would leave off squalling.
Come round to my club, and let us get a drink and a smoke.' 'Nothing
would give me more pleasure! Wish I could!' replied Number Two. 'But you
see, unfortunately for me, this is my house, and the lady at the piano
is my wife.'"
Nell laughed.
"It is a good story," she said. "The first man must have felt very
foolish."
"Yes," assented Sir Charles; "I know exactly how he felt. I hope you
forgive me, Miss Lorton? Can I make amends in any way for my stupidity?"
"You might tell me who some of the people are," said Nell. "I only know
them by name--and scarcely as much as that. I have not been here very
long, and this is my first dinner party."
"How I envy you!" he said, with a sigh. "Dear me! I seem fated to put my
foot into it to-night! But you know what I mean, or you would if you
dined out as often as I--and Mr. Gresham do. Whom would you like me to
tell you about? I think I know everybody here. One moment! Mr. Gresham
is going to tell the story of his losing himself in London; it was in
one of the new streets, for the making of which he had been a strong
advocate."
They waited until the story was told, and the prime minister had enjoyed
the laughter, and then Nell said: "That little lady with the diamond tiara and the three big rubies on her
neck is Lady Angleford--I know her name because I was introduced to her
before dinner. I like the look of her so much; and she has so pleasant a
voice and smile. Please tell me something about her."