"I didn't see the use of her putting on such a dress as that to sit
round with Mr. Giovanelli."
"This is most horrible!" said Mrs. Walker, turning away and
addressing herself to Winterbourne. "Elle s'affiche. It's
her revenge for my having ventured to remonstrate with her.
When she comes, I shall not speak to her."
Daisy came after eleven o'clock; but she was not,
on such an occasion, a young lady to wait to be spoken to.
She rustled forward in radiant loveliness, smiling and chattering,
carrying a large bouquet, and attended by Mr. Giovanelli.
Everyone stopped talking and turned and looked at her.
She came straight to Mrs. Walker. "I'm afraid you thought
I never was coming, so I sent mother off to tell you.
I wanted to make Mr. Giovanelli practice some things before he came;
you know he sings beautifully, and I want you to ask him to sing.
This is Mr. Giovanelli; you know I introduced him to you;
he's got the most lovely voice, and he knows the most charming
set of songs. I made him go over them this evening on purpose;
we had the greatest time at the hotel." Of all this Daisy delivered
herself with the sweetest, brightest audibleness, looking now
at her hostess and now round the room, while she gave a series
of little pats, round her shoulders, to the edges of her dress.
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