The country crowd was bored after the first five minutes. Lord Parallax was to speak later, and the people had grown too accustomed to listening to Mrs. Canterton. There were a number of children sandwiched in among their elders, children who became either vacantly depressed or assertively restless. The real fun of the day was waiting, the roundabout, the races, the mugs of tea, and the buns. Two men in flannel suits and Panama hats stood just outside the marquee doorway. “Where’s Parallax?” “Up at the house, playing croquet with Grace Abercorn. I promised to fetch him, when the star turn was due. They’ll think he has just rushed down from town by motor.” “Listen to the indefatigable woman.” “You know, she might be doing some sort of ultra-subtle Maud Allan business, if you put her in beads.” “My dear chap!” “Fifteen minutes already, and we expected three. It is no use trying to stop her. She’s like a soda water bottle with the cork out. You can’t do anything till all the gas has escaped.” “I’ll just go down and see how the Sports Committee are getting along. Oh, by the way, I’ve booked you and Ethel for our houseboat at Henley.” “Thanks. I’ll remember.” On the lawn below Lady Marchendale’s terrace garden Lord Parallax was flirting with a clever and audacious little woman in grey and silver. Ostensibly they were playing croquet, while old Percival Kex, Esq., sat in a French cane chair under the lime tree, and quizzed Parallax when he came within range. “Well, will you take my bet, or not?” “Don’t talk at the critical moment, sir. This game turns on the Suffrage question.” “Here, Gracie, do you hear him trying to shirk my challenge?” Miss Abercorn trailed her mallet towards the lime tree. Percival Kex was a character, with his tin-plate face, bold head, and eyes like blackberries. His tongue fished in many waters, and his genial cynicism was infinitely refreshing. “I have wagered Parallax six sevenpenny insurance stamps that he won’t escape the Wriggling Lady.” “My dear sir, how can I, when——” “Wait a moment. One handshake, six smiles, and three minutes’ conversation will be allowed. After that you have got to keep clear, and I bet you you won’t.” “Kex, I always lay myself out to be bored at these functions. That is why I am playing croquet, and attempting to get some compensation.” “Who’s to snatch at that feather, Gracie, you or I? I suppose it is yours.” “Hallo, here’s Meryon! I’m due on the boards.” “Miss Abercorn, I desire you to come and act as time-keeper, and to hold the stakes.”