It proves rather dull for Violet, though Eugene insists upon giving her a few lessons, and she feels really interested, but she does not want to detach him from Miss Murray. The supper is out of doors and is undeniably gay. Violet obligingly plays most of the evening, accompanied by a violin. She has discussed the German with Lucia, and that evening lays it before her husband.
"Of course," he answers, indulgently. "Let it be Tuesday evening. I wish Eugene would attend to it."
Eugene is elated at being master of ceremonies. They write invitations,—just a young people's party in honor of Miss Murray. Of course madame must be included.
"I don't see why," says Eugene.
"I think Mr. Grandon would rather," Violet replies, with a faint touch of entreaty.
Miss Murray studies on this problem, and afterwards says privately to Eugene, "If I was Mrs. Grandon I should be jealous of that superb woman. Why, she looks as if she could beguile any one."
"Floyd isn't the kind to be beguiled, you see," and he gives a short laugh, but presently admits the old fancy between them.
"Well," says Miss Murray, plaintively, "it was something to be a countess. Still, I couldn't give up the man I loved. I wonder—if he at all resembled you when he was that young?"
"No, indeed," and Eugene assumes an air of serene audacity. "The family beauty was kept inviolate for my sister Laura and your humble servant."
The baby blue eyes have a look of admiration that is extremely gratifying to the young man's vanity.