'Has he come about his wife ?' Jolyon was thinking; and Soames, 'How shall I begin ?' while Val, brought to break the ice, stood negligently scrutinising this 'bearded pard' from under his dark, thick eyelashes.
"This is Val Dartie," said Soames, "my sister's son.

He's just going up to Oxford.

I thought I'd like him to know your boy." "Ah! I'm sorry Jolly's away.

What college ?" "B.N.C.," replied Val.
"Jolly's at the 'House,' but he'll be delighted to look you up." "Thanks awfully." "Holly's in--if you could put up with a female relation, she'd show you round.

You'll find her in the hall if you go through the curtains.