At the same moment a clapping of hands and a final flourish of the pianist told that the waltz had ended.

The drawing-room door was opened from within and some couples came out.

Aunt Kate drew Gabriel aside hurriedly and whispered into his ear: "Slip down, Gabriel, like a good fellow and see if he's all right, and don't let him up if he's screwed. I'm sure he's screwed. I'm sure he is." Gabriel went to the stairs and listened over the banisters. He could hear two persons talking in the pantry.

Then he recognised Freddy Malins' laugh. He went down the stairs noisily.

"It's such a relief," said Aunt Kate to Mrs Conroy, "that Gabriel is here. I always feel easier in my mind when he's here.

Julia, there's Miss Daly and Miss Power will take some refreshment. Thanks for your beautiful waltz, Miss Daly. It made lovely time." A tall wizen-faced man, with a stiff grizzled moustache and swarthy skin, who was passing out with his partner said: "And may we have some refreshment, too, Miss Morkan?" "Julia," said Aunt Kate summarily, "and here's Mr Browne and Miss Furlong. Take them in, Julia, with Miss Daly and Miss Power." "I'm the man for the ladies," said Mr Browne, pursing his lips until his moustache bristled and smiling in all his wrinkles. "You know, Miss Morkan, the reason they are so fond of me is…" " He did not finish his sentence, but, seeing that Aunt Kate was out of earshot, at once led the three young ladies into the back room.

The middle of the room was occupied by two square tables placed end to end, and on these Aunt Julia and the caretaker were straightening and smoothing a large cloth.

On the sideboard were arrayed dishes and plates, and glasses and bundles of knives and forks and spoons.

The top of the closed square piano served also as a sideboard for viands and sweets.

At a smaller sideboard in one corner two young men were standing, drinking hop-bitters.