The reader may think it strange that Lady Beaufort did not make her appearance at the table d'hote but to tell the truth she considered herself rather too old for such things, her age being 75. She generally partook of a plate of fricassed ham and a glass of sherry, by her own fireside, but the last two nights she had partaken of her meal with Helen.
During her repast she usually read Household Hints and then on coming into the drawing room she had plenty to talk about. She had given her son a great deal of hints as to how he should propose and now hearing that he was accepted she made her way to where Gladys was sitting and proceeded to give her some advice as to her future housekeeping. It rather bored Gladys but being so far very high in Lady Beauforts estimation, she tried her best to look interested.
At about 10-30, Lady Beaufort got up and played God save the queen on the piano and several of guests joined in the chorus on their violins and harps, soon after which, the people began to depart.
"Shall you have guests tomorrow night Mulberry?" enquired Gladys as soon as the last visitor had strayed from the drawing room.
"No dear I dont think so, they tire me if I have them every night" replied Mulberry.
"But you'll have the dinner I suppose?" eagerly asked Gladys.
"Of course" replied Mulberry with a shrug of the shoulders "as I told you Gladys it is a nightly performance here."
"How nice!" gasped Gladys "well now Mulberry dear I will go and see how Helen is; shall I say good night now?"
"If it pleases you dear" answered Mulberry.
Gladys kissed him fondly and then turned to Lady Beaufort who accompanied her upstairs.