"Quite right, too. They are 'nobody,' if you like."
"I think Elfrida is charming," said Agatha quietly.
"Elfrida!" Mrs. Greatorex sniffed. "Elfrida, with Robinson at the end of it! Firs-Robinson because of the society craze for double names. Well, and so every one is to be there. What do they mean by every one?"
"Why"—laughing—"I suppose every one. And I hear Lord Stilton and his party, and Lord Ambert."
"Ambert!" Mrs. Greatorex let the sock fall to the floor this time. "Can it be true that he wants to marry that girl? I can't imagine Miss Robinson—a countess! But he is very hard up, and she has a great deal of money. Money is everything nowadays!" Then suddenly, leaning forward, and letting her brilliant eyes rest upon her niece's face, as if indignant with her, "Why haven't you money?" said she.
The uncontrollable ambition that ruled her whole life betrayed itself in these words. If Agatha had been an heiress she might have married Lord Ambert.
CHAPTER IV
"Late as usual, and all your partners in hysterics!" said a quick voice—a voice a little sharp, perhaps, and decided, but clear as a bell. Agatha, who had just entered the dancing-room with her chaperon, turned quickly round and smiled at Miss Firs-Robinson.
"I couldn't help it. Aunt Hilda was afraid to come out, and so Mrs. Poynter has kindly brought me."
"Oh, if it is Mrs. Poynter, thank Heaven you are here at all! Her wild determination to be 'fashionable,' as she calls it, makes her slow in many ways. But here you are, anyway."