That, at least, was her father's verdict; for, as to me, I found it the perfection of happiness merely to sit and look at her--a state of mind that would have been in no wise disturbed even by _Silvery Waves_ or _The Maiden's Prayer_.
Thus with simple, homely music, and conversation always cheerful and sometimes brilliant, slipped away one of the pleasantest evenings of my life, and slipped away all too soon.

St.Dunstan's clock was the fly in the ointment, for it boomed out intrusively the hour of eleven just as my guests were beginning thoroughly to appreciate one another; and thereby carried the sun (with a minor paternal satellite) out of the firmament of my heaven.

For I had, in my professional capacity, given strict injunctions that Mr.Bellingham should on no account sit up late; and now, in my social capacity, I had smilingly to hear "the doctor's orders" quoted.

It was a scurvy return for all my care.
When Mr.and Miss Bellingham departed, Thorndyke and Jervis would have gone too; but noting my bereaved condition, and being withal compassionate and tender of heart, they were persuaded to stay awhile and bear me company in a consolatory pipe..