"Yes; she was not cordial. Her manner implied that she had been a little upset about something. She is going to stay with the Davenports for a week, in Hyde Park Gardens, she said, before she goes down into the country. She has, in fact, determined to leave us on the day after to-morrow, instead of stopping till next week."
Eva pointed to a box of cigarettes.
"You may smoke," she said; "Jim, the matches are by you."
"A cigarette would be very refreshing," said Lord Hayes. "The heat and the noise have made me a little fatigued. And, I suppose, we shall be up very late to-night. My mother informed me she would not be present at our little dance."
"Not even at the cotillion?" asked Eva.
"The cotillion ought to be very pretty," said he. "I am satisfied with the appearance of the room. I sent word to Aston not to spare the choicest orchids. Have you seen the staircase since they put the flowers in?"
"Yes," said Eva; "it looks charming. I am much obliged to you for taking all that trouble."
Lord Hayes bowed.
"I am delighted," he said. "I am very glad you are satisfied. Princess Frederick is coming, is she not?"
"Yes," said Eva; "I met her this afternoon. I did not know she was in London. Of course I asked her."