In spite of her resolve to see all things in a rosy light, she grew conscious, in spite of herself, that she was disappointed in her father's friends.

She was perplexed, too.

He was so clearly head and shoulders above his associates, that she wondered at their presence in his house.

Yet he seemed quite content, and in a most genial mood.
"You sit here, Sylvia, my dear," he said, pointing to a chair.
"Wallie"-- this to the youth Hine--"sit beside my daughter and keep her amused.

Barstow, you on the other side; Parminter next to me." He sat opposite Sylvia and the rest took their places, Hine sidling timidly into his chair and tortured by the thought that he had to amuse this delicate being at his side.
"The supper is on the table," said Garratt Skinner.