‘How absurd we looked dressed up in this way,’ said Harding; ’look at that attorney and the court sword.  It would be just as logical to stick a quill pen behind the ear of a fat pig.’

’Well, the sword—­I confess I don’t see much meaning in that; but the rest of the dress is well enough.  I don’t see why one style of dress should be more absurd than another, unless it is because it isn’t the fashion.’

’Yes, but that is just the reason; just fancy dressing oneself up in the costume of a bygone time.’

‘And is everything that isn’t the fashion ridiculous?’

’Ah, there, I fancy, you have the best of the argument.  Waiter, a strawberry ice.  But did you say you would have strawberry?’

‘I don’t think I did, for I prefer lemon.’

The centre of the ceiling was filled with an oval picture representing St. Patrick receiving Pagans into the true faith.  The walls were white painted, the panels were gold-listed.  There were pillars at both ends of the room, and in a top gallery, behind a curtain of evergreen plants, Liddell’s orchestra continued to pour an uninterrupted flood of waltz melody upon the sea of satin, silk, poplin, and velvet that surged around the buffet, angrily demanding cream ices, champagne, and claret-cup.  Every moment the crowd grew denser, and the red coats of the Guards and the black corded jackets of the Rifles stained like spots of ink and blood the pallor of the background.  A few young men looked elegant and shapely in the velvet and stockings of Court dress.  One of these was Fred Scully.  He was with May, who, the moment she caught sight of Alice, made frantic efforts to reach her.

’My dear, did anyone ever look so nice!  You are as sweet—­well, a little sweeter—­than you generally are!  How do you do, Mr. Harding?  And tell me, Alice, what do you think of my dress?’

May was in cream faille with ruchings of tulle.  A beautiful piece of white lilac nestled upon her right breast.

’You are very nice, May, and I think the white sets off your hair to advantage.’

’Well, good-bye dear, Fred and I are going into the next room; one is so pushed about here, but there are nice large velvet sofas there where one can sit and talk.  I advise you to come.’

In the reposing shadows of rich velvet and sombre hangings women leaned over the sofas, talking to men in uniform, while two strange-looking creatures, in long garments, walked up and down the room—­Dons from Trinity, who argued with Mr. Adair earnestly.

‘He is one of the lights of your county, is he not?’ said Harding, indicating Mr. Adair.

‘Oh, yes,’ replied Alice, ’he took honours and a gold medal at Trinity College.’

’I know he did, and a capacity for passing competitive examinations is the best proof of a man’s incapacity for everything else.’

‘Do you know him?’

’Yes, a little.  He wears his University laurels at forty, builds parish schools, and frightens his neighbours with the liberality of his opinions and the rectitude of his life.’