Let us go and rake
my father out of the library, and get him into the garden with a
cigar."
"You may venture upon such an audacity, but not I," said Howard, with
simulated fear. "I'll wait for you on the terrace."
Sir Stephen looked up with a frown as Stafford entered, and the
dark-faced secretary stared aghast at the intrusion; but Sir Stephen's
face cleared as he saw who it was.
"Back, Stafford?" he said. "What? Come into the garden--cigar?
Certainly! You can finish up, can't you, Murray? Thanks!" He looked at
his watch as they went through the hall. "I suppose some of the people
will be here before long. Did Mr. Howard show you the list? Do you know
any of them. Stafford?"
"Yes, I've met Lady Clansford and the Fitzharfords, of course; but most
of them are too great and lofty. I mean that they are celebrated
personages, out of my small track. One doesn't often meet Sir William
Plaistow and Mr. Griffinberg at at homes and afternoon teas." Sir
Stephen laughed.
"Oh, well, you mustn't let them bore you, you know, my boy. You must
consider yourself quite free to cut off and amuse yourself some other
way whenever you get tired of them.
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