'
The mansion of the Longworths was brilliantly lighted, and John felt
rather faint-hearted as he stood on the steps before going in. The
chances are he would not have had the courage to allow himself to be
announced if his friend Wentworth had not been with him. George,
however, had no such qualms, being more experienced in this kind of
thing than his comrade. So they entered together, and were warmly
greeted by the young hostess.
'It is so kind of you to come,' she said, 'on such short notice. I was
afraid you might have had some prior engagement, and would have found it
impossible to be with us.'
'You must not think that of me,' said Wentworth. 'I was certain to come;
but I must confess my friend Kenyon here was rather difficult to manage.
He seems to frown on social festivities, and actually had the coolness to
propose that we should both plead more important business.'
Edith looked reproachfully at Kenyon, who flushed to the temples, as was
his custom, and said:
'Now, Wentworth, that is unfair. You must not mind what he says, Miss
Longworth; he likes to bring confusion on me, and he knows how to do it.
I certainly said nothing about a prior engagement.'
'Well, now you are here, I hope you will enjoy yourselves. It is quite an
informal little gathering, with nothing to abash even Mr. Kenyon.'
They found young Longworth there in company with Melville, who was to be
his companion on the voyage. He shook hands, but without exhibiting the
pleasure at meeting them which his cousin had shown.
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