“That is Sir Reginald, Lady Fairfax’s husband.”
“Impossible!”
“Well, ma’am, he has just sent off a telegram in that name.”
Sensation!
As the Monkswood party were leaving the town they encountered a very dashing victoria and pair, which stopped, and Alice was beckoned to by a sprightly dark-eyed lady with a rose-lined parasol.
“My dear Lady Fairfax, this is most apropos! I have been over to Monkswood to tell you that I won’t take any refusal, but must insist on you and Miss Ferrars coming to my dance on Wednesday. You will stay and sleep of course. The excuse you gave was most frivolous and ridiculous.”
“Many thanks, Lady Rufford. Let me introduce my husband, who has just returned from India.”
Lady Rufford received the dark distingué-looking gentleman who was presented to her with effusion, and plied him with questions more or less embarrassing. Before they parted it was agreed that they would all be present at her ball without fail.
Alice and Geoffrey dropped behind together, on the way home, exchanging lively sallies and critical observations.
“I say, Alice, doesn’t it look as if Rex was getting up a strong flirtation with Miss Ferrars? What is he leaning over, and saying to her? Are you jealous?”