[MaC] Arriving at the Party ... Arabella, Pamela, Michael & Philip

[Brian Schoner]

>> "Excuse me," said Nola.  "I look a fright - I'll go and powder my 
>> nose."
>>
>> Nothing could, in fact, have been further from the truth - 
>> she looked radiant.  But she slipped away down the corridor
>> towards the bathroom. 
>>
>> Barowenski shrugged.
>>
>> "She is wishing to make an entrance," he said.  "She is a star."

Philip gazed at the retreating form of Nola Diamond for a moment, then
shrugged. "Not too good for the likes of us, one hopes," he said rather
flatly.

Turning to the others, he smiled and greeted them in turn. "Ladies..." (with
a polite half-bow) "Mr. Barowenski..." (the same) "Sir." (This to Group
Capt. Coldsmith-Briggs, accompanied by a crisp salute, marred only by the
disfigurement of his saluting hand.)

>> He indicated the stairs.  "We should go up, perhaps.  Most 
>> are here, I think."
> 
> "Absolutely, Mr. Barowenski." 
> 
> "Just a moment, Mum; I'll be right after," Pamela said, 
> turning toward Philip. "Pilot Officer Powell, isn't it? 
> Pamela Hutchinson, occasionally of the Women's Auxiliary. 
> Won't you take me in, sir?"

"I would be delighted, Miss Hutchinson," Philip said with a wan, but
apparently genuine, smile. Then, after a moment, something Great-Aunt
Evangeline had said about the flat's residents trickled through the back of
his mind, and he gave a small but visible start. "Oh, it's *Lady*
Hutchinson, isn't it? I *do* beg your pardon, ma'am. But I would still be
honored to see you in, if you'll permit me."

<tag Pamela, Arabella, Michael>