He drank water, he ate sparingly, he preserved an almost unbroken silence, yet he had the air of one giving courteous attention to everything which his companion said and finding interest in it.

Only once he asked a question.
"You are well acquainted here, my host," he said.

"You know the trio at the table just behind the entrance--the attractive young lady with her chaperon, and a gentleman who I rather fancy must be an old college acquaintance whose name I have forgotten.

Tell me some more about them in their private capacity, and not as saviours of their country." Immelan frowned slightly as he glanced across the room.
"There is not much to tell," he answered, without enthusiasm.

"The young lady is, as you know, Lady Maggie Trent.