“So that I can take you in my arms, sweetheart,” he answered, and proceeded to do so.

Then his glance, wandering round the room, alighted on the heated group by the table; Andrew vociferously indignant, Tracy coolly sarcastic, and O’Hara furious.

“Tare an’ ouns!” ejaculated my lord. “Where did they all spring from?”

“I don’t quite know!” laughed Diana. “Sir Miles came a few minutes ago⁠—the other gentleman came with Mr. Carstares.”

“Ay, I remember him⁠—’tis Andrew, eh, Dick? Zounds! how he has grown! But what in the world are they all fighting over? Miles! Miles, I say!”

O’Hara wheeled round, surprised.

“Oho! Ye are up, are ye.” He crossed to his side. “Then sit down!”