"I'll try," said Lady Lackland, instantly acting on the hint, and she went over to Violet.
"Miss Mildmay, will you sing a duet with my son? Please do; we are dying for a little music."
Violet, ever ready to give pleasure, rose and laid down her fan.
Lord Fitz, who had vainly been trying to interest Mr. Dodson in the next likelihoods for the coming race meetings, came forward with a blush of pleasure, and Lady Lackland had the satisfaction of seeing Lord Fitz and Violet at the piano.
Then the captain went up to Bertie and in his pleasantest manner said:
"Mr. Fairfax, there is a sketch here you ought to see. I have never seen such color and tint in so simple an effect."
Bertie looked up at him as if he could have pitched him out of the window, but he rose and with as good a grace as he could assume went with the artistic captain to inspect the sketch.
Leicester and Ethel were left alone, and they fell to talking of violets.
The song ended, and there were the usual thanks and requests for more.
Violet turned to Ethel and Leicester with a smile.