She was in the room when Mr Pratt was announced, and she at once recognised him as the man who had been with Crosbie.  And when, some minutes afterwards, Siph Dunn came into the room, she could see that in their greeting allusion was made to the scene in the Park.  But still it was probable that this man would not recognise her, and, if he did so, what would it matter?  There were twenty people to sit down to dinner, and the chances were that she would not be called upon to exchange a word with Mr Pratt.  She had now recovered herself, and could speak freely to her friend Siph, and when Siph came and stood near her she thanked him graciously for his escort in the Park.  ’If it wasn’t for you, Mr Dunn, I really think I should not get any riding at all.  Bernard and Miss Dunstable have only one thing to think about, and certainly I am not the one thing.’  She thought it probable that if she could keep Siph close to her, Mrs Thorne, who always managed things herself, might apportion her out to be led to dinner by her good-natured friend.  But the fates were averse.  The time had now come, and Lily was waiting her turn.  ‘Mr Fowler Pratt, let me introduce to Miss Lily Dale,’ said Mrs Thorne.  Lily could perceive that Mr Pratt was startled.  The sign he gave was the least possible sign in the world; but still it sufficed for Lily to perceive it.  She put her hand upon his arm, and walked down with him to the dining-room without giving him the slightest cause to suppose that she knew who he was.

‘I think I saw you in the park riding?’ he said.

‘Yes, I was there; we go nearly every day.’

‘I never ride; I was walking.’

’It seems to me that the people who don’t go there to walk, but to stand still,’ said Lily.  ’I cannot understand how so many people can bear to loiter about in that way—­leaning on the rails and doing nothing.’

’It is about as good as riding, and costs less money.  That is all that can be said for it.  Do you live chiefly in town?’

’Oh, dear no; I live altogether in the country.  I’m only up here because a cousin is going to be married.’

‘Captain Dale, you mean—­to Miss Dunstable?’ said Fowler Pratt.

’When they have been joined together in holy matrimony, I shall go down to the country, and never, I suppose, come up to London again.’

‘You do not like London?’

‘Not as a residence, I think,’ said Lily.  ’But of course one’s likings and dislikings on such a matter depend on circumstances.  I live with my mother, and all my relatives live near us.  Of course I like the country best, because they are there.’

’Young ladies so often have a different way of looking at this subject.  I shouldn’t wonder if Miss Dunstable’s views about it were altogether of another sort.  Young ladies generally expect to be taken away from their father and mothers, and uncles and aunts.’