punch is going toburn a hole right through me.Youdont have to drink it, silly, Martin pointed out. Thisother he held aloft his glass of pink punch is veryrefreshing.Idont want to be refreshed, Tom countered. I want to bedelirious!I want to be transported!He flung his arms wide, smacking the back of his hand into the ribsof a little brunette, who squeaked her dismay and scuttled out ofreach.Youresuch a voluptuary, Martin said affectionately. You were born inthe wrong era.Allthe exact girls I didnt want to see are here tonight, Tomcomplained, peering around the room. Im sticking to Arthur likeglue, but not all of them are taking the hint.Dancewith some of your lady-friends, Martin suggested. Youll wantto renew your acquaintance with most of them at some point, dontyou think? I think youd better stay on good terms. He nodded atJerry and Arthur. Theyre not going to take some other boy homeif you dance with a few girls.Maybenot, Tom said, though he didnt seem convinced.Implaying all this dance music, Martin pointed out. The least youcan do as my dear friend is dance.Well,if its what youwant...Ido, Martin told him. I do want it. Be a good boy, Tommy, and doas I say.Theyboth burst out laughing at this, and Henry supposed it was someprivate joke and resisted the urge to make them include him. Hewondered if it was something Freddie had said, and wondered underwhat conditions Freddie might have said it.Wemight be boring Mr. Blackwell, Martin suggested, though surely heknew Henry was not bored at all. All this personal talk.Oh,of course, Tom said. My apologies, Sir. Would you likesomething more to eat?No,thank you, Henry assured him. He turned to Martin. How long isyour break?Ihave a bit longer, Sir. He leaned against Henry, just a little,and their knees touched.Henrylooked up at Jerry kissing Tom and wished he had that same freedom.Sir?Do you have a moment, Sir?Henrylooked up to see Billy standing before him holding hands with hisbride, the lovely Jane, both of them in their flower crowns.Billy!Henry handed his plate to Martin and stood. This must be yourJane.Shesmiled and curtseyed. At your service, Sir.Welcometo our family, Henry told her. Billy is such a valued friend.Hes actually been here longer than I have, you know.Janelaughed and Billy looked pleased that Henry would say such a thing.Martinstood and put the plates on the seat of his chair. Congratulations,Billy. Congratulations, Jane.Thankyou, Martin, Billy said. Jane, this is Martin, Mr. Blackwellscompanion.Itsso kind of you to play for our party, Jane said, taking Martinshand. I feel we ought to have met before now.Dutytakes precedence, Martin said with a shrug. As for your party,Im more than happy to do it. Billy and the others here have beenso welcoming to me. Its the least I can do.Billy!Arthur came from behind Martin, hand extended. Congratulations,Billy-boy! Jerry was equally effusive, and they were both puttingTom forward to be introduced.Itwas lovely to meet you, Sir, Martin, Jane said, dipping in alittle bow. Perhaps well talk again later. She straightenedher crown and accepted congratulations, Billy at her side, as theymoved deeper into the crowd.Doyou want more punch, Sir?Illcome with you,