Indescribable relief spread itself over Million's small face. She felt saved. She didn't mind anything now, not even the loudness with which the bright-haired comedienne burst out laughing again.
I wonder why that shrewd, vivacious woman comes to call on Million? It's not the money this time, surely?
Miss Vi Vassity must draw the largest salary of any one on the halls? Why does she sit beaming at my young mistress, drawing her out, watching her? And the other, the cobra-woman; what's she doing there in a world to which she doesn't seem to belong at all?
And the Jew they call Leo? Will they all be at the party they're taking Miss Million to to-night?
They all burst into fresh chatter about it. Under cover of the noise the Honourable Jim edged closer to me and murmured, without looking at me: "All her jewels at the bank, is it? That's not true, child, while she has a Kohinoor—for a maid!"
Fearful impertinence again. But, thank goodness, none of the others heard it.
And he, who's been drinking tea and chattering with me the whole afternoon, had the grace not to glance at me as I slipped away out of the tea-room and to the hall.
Here another surprise awaited me.
Miss Million began to enjoy her tea-party tremendously—as soon as it was all over and she herself was safely back in her own bedroom with her maid.
She didn't seem to realise that she had only then emerged from a state of shrinking and speechless panic!