Whilst he was being congratulated, Douglas turned to Miss McQuinch, who was pretending to ignore Marmaduke's success.
"I hope, Miss McQuinch," he said in a low tone, "that you will be able to relieve Marian at the piano next time.

You know how she dislikes having to play accompaniments for strangers." "How mean it is of you to be jealous of a plumber!" said Miss McQuinch, with a quick glance at him which she did not dare to sustain, so fiercely did he return it.
When she looked again, he seemed unconscious of her presence, and was buttoning his overcoat.
"Really going at last, Sholto ?" said Marian.

Douglas bowed.
"I told you you wouldnt be able to stand it, old man," said Marmaduke.
"Mrs.Bluestockings wont be pleased with you for not staying to hear her recite." This referred to Mrs.Fairfax, who had just gone upon the platform.
"Good night," said Miss McQuinch, shortly, anxious to test how far he was offended, but unwilling to appear solicitous for a reconciliation.
"Until to-morrow, farewell," he said, approaching Marian, who gave him her hand with a smile: Conolly looking thoughtfully at him meanwhile.

He left the room; and so, Mrs.Fairfax having gone to the platform to recite, quiet prevailed for a few minutes.
"Shall I have the pleasure of playing the accompaniment to your next song ?" said Conolly, sitting down near Marian.
"Thank you," said Marian, shrinking a little: "I think Miss McQuinch knows it by heart." Then, still anxious to be affable to the workman, she added, "Lord Jasper says you are a great musician." "No, I am an electrician.

Music is not my business: it is my amusement." "You have invented something very wonderful, have you not ?" "I have discovered something, and I am trying to invent a means of turning it to account.