"I thought you were rather too previous with your gratitude. But isn't it jolly being here together!"
"Is that a question or an assertion? Because, if it's the former, I beg leave to announce that I see no reason for any great delight on my part."
"Oh, come now! You think! You can resume the lesson on manners you commenced at the Maltbys'. I want it badly; for I have been among a rough set lately. I'm a British workingman, you know—engineer. Come into this corner, and I'll tell you all about it."
"I don't know that I want to hear," she retorted. "But, oh, well, I'll come after I've spoken to your sister. How lovely she looks to-night! If I were a man, I should envy Lord Angleford."
"Would you? So should I if he were going to marry another young lady I know."
"Oh, who is that?" she asked, with admirably feigned innocence and interest.
"Oh, you can't see her just now. No looking-glass near," he had the audacity to add, but under his breath.
The dinner hour struck, the carriages were setting down the last arrivals, and Lady Angleford was looking round and smilingly awaiting the butler's "Dinner is served, my lady!" when a footman came up to her and said something in a low voice.
The countess went out of the room, and found her maid in the hall.
The woman whispered a few words that caused Lady Angleford to turn pale and stand gazing before her as if she had suddenly seen a ghost.