This drawing-room will not be
lighted, and there will be only my reading-lamp here in the boudoir. I
shall give the signal for leaving the dining-room earlier than usual.
Launce will join us before the evening party begins. The moment he
appears, send him in here--boldly before your aunt and all of us."
"For what?"
"For your fan. Leave it there under the sofa-cushion before we go down
to dinner. You will sit next to Launce, and you will give him private
instructions not to find the fan. You will get impatient--you will go to
find it yourself--and there you are. Take care of your shoulders, Mrs.
Linzie! I have nothing more to say."
The guests asked to dinner began to arrive. Lady Winwood was recalled to
her duties as mistress of the house.
It was a pleasant little dinner--with one drawback. It began too late.
The ladies only reached the small drawing-room at ten minutes to ten.
Launce was only able to join them as the clock struck.
"Too late!" whispered Natalie. "He will be here directly."
"Nobody comes punctually to an evening party," said Launce.
Pages:
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98