“And two Ministers and their wives—in short, a solemn, stiff, sleepy business.”
“But you do not expect that I——”
“Yes, I expect you there, because, as ladies are pleased to honour me with their company, I must at least have a lady to do the honours.”
“But Aunt Mary has always undertaken that office.”
“She is again attacked to-day by her usual headache, and so I have nothing else left——”
“But to offer up your daughter, as other fathers did in ancient times; for example, King Agamemnon with Iphigenia? Well, I submit.”
“Besides, there are among the guests a pair of younger elements: Dr. Bresser, who treated me in my last illness so excellently that I wished to show him the attention of an invitation; and also Lieutenant-Colonel Tilling. Why, you are getting as red as fire! What is the matter with you?”
“Me? It is curiosity. Now, I really must look at what you have brought me.” And I began to take the parcel out of its paper wrapping.
“Oh, that is nothing for you. Don’t expect a pearl necklace. That belongs to Rudi.”
“Yes, I see, a plaything. Ah! a box of lead soldiers! But, father, a little child of four cannot——”