"Well," Airey answered, laughing, "_entre nous_, you know, Standish, when girls are well off and help to keep up the whole sport of the season, it is no harm to swear they are lovely, when you're sure they'll hear it again." "Oh, of course not! That's a serious duty sometimes. And are those two of your hospitable entertainers?" "Yes, by Jove they don't let the fun run down. They are jolly to kill time with, but upon my word, I find the greater number of girls in society here are very insipid. If you can't talk nonsense to them, they can't talk anything else to you. And though we fellows knock a good deal of fun out of their parties, etc., still, we've earned it by the time we've talked over all the little gossip of the day with them, flirted a little, escorted them to some opera or other, and minded ourselves to say nothing but what was most flattering, when speaking of them." "Well I should think you had," answered his friend, with a low laugh, "you can get something more than that, with less trouble, elsewhere." "Yes, but half a loaf is better than none," rejoined Airey, "and these young ladies are not so bad when one is in the humor to be amused." Just as he finished speaking, he noticed a familiar form walking steadily on in front. He clapped his hand heavily down on the shoulder of him he recognized, and shouted. "Hallo, Elersley," in genuine surprise. Guy started and looked around. Poor fellow! Already the traits of sadness were visible in his handsome face. He only parted his lips slightly as he turned to greet his friend. "What, in the name of all that's nice, have you been doing with yourself, Guy? We've missed you awfully." "I dare say, I have been a little quiet lately," Guy answered. "I am busy at present, but I don't think I need complain of it. I am feeling better than if I were living more on the streets." Vivian Standish laughed the laziest sort of drawl. "Now Elersley, don't take to moralizing--you were never made for it, your face would get so deuced eloquent looking, that the rest of us would lose all our present chances." But Guy neither smiled nor spoke, and this set his friends wondering. On reaching the corner, Will Airey took an arm of each of his companions, and said: "Come along boys to see the tumblers. Come Elersley." "Thank you, no," said Guy, releasing his arm, "I am very busy and must get back to my room. _Au plaísir!_ Good afternoon!" and he was gone. Willie Airey looked after him and then at Vivian Standish, and gave a long, low whistle. "There's something up there, by Jove," he said, tossing his head in the direction Guy had taken. "If Elersley has started a reform, it is time for the retail dealers in 'gratifications' to close up, for it is a sure sign we must all follow him."