“Dicky dear, I have found an old friend⁠—a very old friend! Is it not agreeable? Captain Lovelace⁠— Mr. Carstares.”

The two men bowed, Richard with reluctancy, the Captain with easy bonhomie.

“Sir, I claim to be a worshipper at the shrine of which you, I believe, are High Priest!” he said impudently, and bowed again, this time to my lady.

“You are one of many, sir,” smiled Richard.

Lady Devereux came tripping up to them, and kissed Lavinia with a great show of affection.

“My dearest life! My sweet Lavinia!”

Lady Lavinia presented a powdered cheek.