be able to go your way without fear of the
ubiquitous Peter."

Still Patricia said nothing as she sat looking down upon the empty
plate before her.

"Now we will forget all about Peter and talk and think of other things.
Ah! here he is," she cried suddenly.

Patricia looked round quickly; but at the sight of Godfrey Elton she
was conscious of a feeling of disappointment that she would not,
however, admit. Her greeting of Elton was a trifle forced.

Patricia was never frank with herself. If it had been suggested that
for a moment she hoped that Lady Tanagra's remark referred to Bowen,
she would instantly have denied it.

"No, Godfrey, don't look at me like that," cried Lady Tanagra. "I am
not so gauche as to arrange a parti-a-trois. I've got someone very
nice coming for Patricia."

Again Patricia felt herself thrill expectantly. Five minutes later Mr.
Triggs was seen sailing along among the tables as if in search of
someone. Again Patricia felt that sense of disappointment she had
experienced on the arrival of Godfrey Elton.

Suddenly Mr. Triggs saw the party and streamed towards them, waving his
red silk handkerchief in one hand and his umbrella in the other.

"He has found something better than the fountain of eternal youth,"
said Elton to Patricia.

"Whatever it is he is unconscious of possessing it," replied Patricia
as she turned to greet Mr. Triggs.

"I'm late, I know," explained Mr. Triggs as he shook hands. "I 'ad to
run in and see 'Ettie and tell 'er I was coming. It surprised 'er,"
and Mr. Triggs chuckled as if at some joke he could not share with the
others.

"Now let us have tea," said Lady Tanagra. "I'm simply dying for it."

Mr. Triggs sank down heavily into a basket chair. He looked about
anxiously, as it creaked beneath his weight, as if in doubt whether or
no it would bear him.

"All we want now is----" Mr. Triggs stopped suddenly and looked
apprehensively at Lady Tanagra.

"What is it you want, Mr. Triggs?" enquired Patricia quickly.

"Er--er--I--I forget, I--I forget," floundered Mr. Triggs, still
looking anxiously at Lady Tanagra.

"When you're in the company of women, Mr. Triggs, you should never
appear to want anything else. It makes an unfavourable impression upon
us."

"God bless my soul, I don't!" cried Mr. Triggs earnestly. "I've been
looking forward to this ever since I got your wire yesterday afternoon."

"Now he has given me away," cried Lady Tanagra. "H