'It's a grand world,' said I. 'And, after all, one can grow old very gradually.'
'You're not really old,' said Dolly, with the fleetest glance at me. A glance should not be over-long.
'Gradually and disgracefully,' I murmured.
'If you met me for the first time' said Dolly, swinging the tassel.
'By Heaven it should be the last!' I cried, and I rose to my feet.
Dolly let the tassel go, and made me a very pretty curtsey.
'I am going to another party to-night,' said I, nodding my head significantly.
'Ah!' said Dolly.
'And I shall again,' I pursued, 'spend my time with the prettiest woman in the room.'
'Shall you?' asked Dolly, smiling.
'I am a very fortunate fellow,' I observed. 'And as for Mrs. Hilary, she may say what she likes.'
'Oh, does Mrs. Hilary know the—Other Lady?'
I walked towards the door.
'There is,' said I, laying my hand on the door, 'no Other Lady.'
'I shall get there about eleven,' said Dolly.
