“Oh, by all means; how are we to elect the queen?” said another.
“What say you to a lottery,” said he, “or something equally the upshot of chance? For instance, let the first lady who enters the room be queen.”
“Very good indeed,” said Lady Janet, aloud; then added, in a whisper, “I see that old Mrs. Malone with her husband toddling up the avenue this instant.”
“Olivia, my love,” whispered Mrs. Kennyfeck to her daughter, “fetch me my work here, and don't be a moment away, child. He's so amusing!” And the young lady glided unseen from the room at her mamma's bidding. After a short but animated conversation, it was decided that this mode of choice should be adopted; and now all stood in anxious expectancy to see who first should enter. At last footsteps were heard approaching, and the interest rose higher.
“Leddy Janet was right,” said Sir Andrew, with a grin; “ye 'll hae Mrs. Malone for your sovereign,—I ken her step weel.”
“By Jove!” cried Upton, “I 'll dispute the succession; that would never do.”
“That's-a lighter tread and a faster,” said Cashel, listening.
“There are two coming,” cried Mrs. White; “I hear voices: how are we then to decide?”
There was no time to canvass this knotty point, when a hand was heard upon the door-handle; it turned, and just as the door moved, a sound of feet upon the terrace without,—running at full speed,—turned every eye in that direction, and the same instant Miss Meek sprang into the room through the window, while Lord Charles and Linton hurried after her, at the same moment that Lady Kilgoff, followed by Olivia Kennyfeck, entered by the door.
Miss Meek's appearance might have astonished the company, had even her entrée been more ceremonious; for she was without hat, her hair falling in long, dishevelled masses about her shoulders, and her riding-habit, torn and ragged, was carried over one arm, with a freedom much more in accordance with speed than grace.