The servant brought them, and while the gentlemen—including the captain, who said that he really could not resist the temptation—discussed them, Mrs. Dodson delivered herself of the purport of her visit.
Would Mrs. and Miss Mildmay and the captain come over to the Cedars and eat a friendly dinner with them on the morrow?
Mrs. Mildmay glanced interrogatively at Violet. Violet looked up, smilingly, and accepted.
"I shall be delighted, for my part," she said, "if it is really to be a very friendly, unceremonious evening."
The captain and Mrs. Mildmay echoed, and Mrs. Dodson looked pleased.
"It will be very quiet," she said. "We did expect Lord and Lady Boisdale from Coombe Lodge; but it is not certain whether they have come yet; if they have they have promised to join us."
"I am so glad!" said Mrs. Mildmay, who was secretly quite surprised that the Dodsons should be on dining terms with the Lackland family. "I like Lady Lackland so much. I met them very often in town. Violet does not know them; they have not been to Coombe Lodge since she left school."
"Then you will come, and I hope we shall see them," said Mrs. Dodson, rising. "Seven o'clock. Have you gentlemen finished your ale, and do you mean to ride back?"
"I'll walk, please," said Leicester, rising.
"Then you must rest a little longer, I think," said Mrs. Mildmay.