--Ten o'clock.
----------------------------------------------------
"Dearest Natalie--As the brute insists, the brute must have the
invitation which I inclose. Never mind, my child. You and Launce are
coming to dinner, and I will see that you have your little private
opportunities of retirement afterward. All I expect of you in return is,
_not_ to look (when you come back) as if your husband had been kissing
you. You will certainly let out the secret of those stolen kisses, if
you don't take care. At mamma's dinner yesterday, your color (when you
came out of the conservatory) was a sight to see. Even your shoulders
were red! They are charming shoulders, I know, and men take the
strangest fancies sometimes. But, my dear, suppose you wear a chemisette
next time, if you haven't authority enough over him to prevent his doing
it again!
"Your affectionate LOUISA."
The private history of the days that had passed since the marriage was
written in that letter. An additional chapter--of some importance in its
bearing on the future--was contributed by the progress of events at Lady
Winwood's party.
Pages:
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95