The daintily arranged menus were set in white porcelain frames on which pink roses were beautifully painted. In the centre of the table stood a valuable vase in which large pink roses were arranged. The numerous wax candles were covered with pink shades, and among the ferns and plants which adorned the room hung little pink electric lights; and everything that could be was ornemented with pink satin ribbon and bunches of roses.
It may here be said that owing to Helen's illness Lord Beaufort had not had late dinner so the sight was quite new to Gladys.
Three footmen with powdered hair and chocolate and drab livery were in attendance.
"Oh Mulberry what is this?" asked Gladys, pointing to one of the menus.
"Oh that is the menu of my table d'hote" replied Mulberry carelessly, "this is of nightly recurrence."
"How delightful!" cried Gladys and sitting down she carefully studied her menu:
MENU DU DINER.
Wednesday, October 20th
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Hors d'œvres.
Consommé Parsanne.
Crême d'asperges.
Sole normande.
Selle de mouton à l'anglaise.
Jambon de York à la Zingara.
Pommes maitre d'hôtel.
Poularde à la broche.
Salade de saison.
Glace marigan.
or
Gateaux Mignons.
Fromage.
Dessert.
THE SECOND ENTRÉE MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR MACARONI.
As can be imagined the dinner took a good time, but when at length it drew to a close the company proceeded to the drawing room where they settled down for some good music. Mr. Vermont was the first to contribute to the entertainment. He played "Intermezzo" as a solo violin, and the beautiful melody only added to both Mulberry's and Gladys's happiness. Many others also played and sang, and at last by dint of great persuasion Gladys consented to sing. She had a magnificent clear soprano voice and as he listened Mulberry Beaufort fairly trembled for joy.
In the midst of the proceedings the dowegar Lady Beaufort entered (Mulberry's mother). She looked a great deal older than she was but she was still very handsome.
Her hair was silvery white, but her eyes and complexion were very dark, and she very much resembled her son. She was attired entirely in black silk and white lace.