Sir Patrick had advanced and engaged Josiah in conversation.
He knew his guests' ways and how they would boycott him, and, with a
serious question like those Australian shares on the tapis, he was not
going to have Josiah insulted and ruffled just yet.
"Don't stay up-stairs all the time," Hector had managed to whisper,
while Mildred and Lord Wensleydown stood arguing; "they are sure not to
dine till nine; there are two hours before you need dress, and we can
certainly find some nice sitting-room to talk in."
But Theodora, with immense self-denial, had answered: "No, I want to
write a long letter to papa and my sisters. I won't come down again
until dinner."
And he was forced to be content with the memory of her soft smile and
the evident regret in her eyes.