"No, Aurora, still welcome one to her blue and gold bower, with the perfume of flowers about."
"Mrs. Haughton wished it altered; but as the New York renovator or decorator condescended to say: 'if done over, it would be really quite pretty,' she yielded to my wish; I knew, dear, your love for at as it is."
Here the servant returned from Madame, saying: "Mrs. Haughton sends her compliments, and will her ladyship and Mademoiselle excuse her, as she is giving the painter a last sitting for the picture which is to be framed and hung for to-night; and will be happy to welcome their ladyships in the ball-room if not too tired."
"That will do, William, you may go," said his master. "And now that we are alone, let me tell you, you will do anything but admire this painting."
"Is it not true?" asked Lady Esmondet.
"Yes, in every detail; it's not that—you will see."
"What will you do, god-mother mine? Rest here awhile, go to the dining-room and refresh the inner-woman? See, Madame, I protest against; you are too fatigued."
"I am, dear, and prefer to go to my room. Somers may bring me something on a tray. Eric, kindly ring the bell."
William answered, coming in with Somers, to whom he had given the housekeeper's message to show Lady Esmondet "the green room."
The Colonel's brow darkened.