"If this is the picnic you promised us, Blanche, commend me to your choice of dishes," said Vaura, inwardly hoping nothing unpleasant would transpire relative to Mrs. Haughton.
"And now that we are comfortably placed," said Blanche, excusing herself to fly to the window giving a view of Rose Cottage. "Now," she said cheerfully, "we shall each propose a toast; mine being, success to the plans and plots of this evening."
"Amen," said Trevalyon, thinking of Vaura and himself.
"Excepting one," said Vaura earnestly.
"Excepting one!" echoed Everly.
"No, I shan't be left," cried Blanche quickly, and in a low tone to her spouse, "you cannot refer to the one we are here to witness."
There was no reply.
"Miss Vernon, your exception has nothing to do with Mrs. Haughton?" continued la petite inquiringly.
"It has; but I am imaginative; tell me, did Mrs. Haughton appear in the supper-room?"
"I should just say so, and as gay as a lark, with Lord Rivers."