Lady Aveline bowed somewhat stiffly.
“I am much pleased,” said she.
The conversation was continued, but there was no further discourse as to the persons present, and Aveline would have been greatly relieved by Miss Fagg taking herself off.
This, however, she did not seem disposed to do, for she continued to walk by the side of Lady Aveline, apparently oblivious to the fact that she was not wanted.
“I wish, dear,” said Lady Marvlynn to Miss Fagg, “you would give a glance at the dining-room, and see if my people are making any preparations for the banquet.”
“Oh, if you wish it, certainly,” returned the spinster, stepping off like a lapwing.
“Ah, we’ve got rid of her,” cried Lady Marvlynn, with a merry laugh. “I thought you were beginning to get a little fidgetty. You know, dear, I was constrained to invite her. She is one of your dear Sir Eric’s distant relatives, and it is not often she gets the chance of a treat like this, for, although I say it myself, I know it is a great treat to her, and the chances are that she’ll talk about it for the next three months when she returns to her friends in the village which has the honour of counting her among its inhabitants.”
“She’s a good sort of person, I should say, “observed Aveline, apologetically.
“Ah, dear me, yes, very good, unsophisticated, and all that sort of thing, but she is perhaps a little out of place here.”
“Ah, yonder is Lord Fitzbogleton,” cried Lady Marvlynn.