Sidney laughed , as if he were heartily amused at something . `` You 're a blessed baby , '' he said , `` and the dearest , truest , jolliest little chum ever a fellow had . I do n't know what I 'd do without you , Nic . You keep me sane and wholesome . I 'm a tenfold better man for knowing you , little girl . '' I was rather pleased . It was nice to think I was some good to Sidney . `` Are you going to the Trents ' dinner tonight ? '' I asked . `` Yes , '' he said briefly . `` Mrs. Rennie will be there , '' I said . Sidney nodded . `` Do you think her so very handsome , Sidney ? '' I said . I had never mentioned Mrs. Rennie to him since the day we were coasting , and I did n't mean to now . The question just asked itself . `` Yes , very ; but not as handsome as you will be ten years from now , Nic , '' said Sidney lightly . `` Do you think I 'm handsome , Sidney ? '' I cried . `` You will be when you 're grown up , '' he answered , looking at me critically .
`` Will you be going XXXXX Mrs. Greaves ' reception after the dinner ? ''
Nic Sidney Trents as at for from since to without