"You will very soon be. Sit down. Why are you not at the ball?" "I had no inclination for it, sir. I might ask, why are not you?" "Not finding you there, I came here," he replied. "I am indeed flattered," said Miss Challoner. He laughed. "It's all I went for, my dear, I assure you. Why was that fellow holding your hands?" "For comfort," said Miss Challoner desolately. He held out his own. "Give them to me."