Page:Herbert Jenkins - Patricia Brent Spinster.djvu/227

 with the air of one who has earned a lifelong debt of gratitude, "you will 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 -à-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 mountain of eternal youth" said Elton to Patricia.