Mrs. Byram and her son stood helplessly by, their manner showing that their wish to be polite was almost mastered by their disgust. Hemstead, who was trying to get De Forrest up, had just given a stern rebuke to one of the giggling waiters as Lottie entered.
It did not take her over a moment to comprehend all. While her
face was crimson, she acted decidedly and with a. certain dignity.
Going directly to De Forrest she said, "Julian, I have found what
I lost. Get up and come with me."
His habitual deference to her wishes and words served him now. Her tone and manner were quiet but very firm and positive, and he at once sought to obey. Hemstead and Harcourt helped him to his feet.
"I am going home, Julian, and wish you to go with me," she continued in the same tone.
"Certainly (hic) my dear (hic) I'll do anything (hic) in the world (hic) or anywhere else for you."
A look of intense disgust flitted across her face, but she turned, and said emphatically to the others: "I am more to blame for this than he. I sent him here some time since, when I knew, or ought to have known, that he should have been kept away from temptation. May I trespass so far upon your kindness as to ask all present to remain silent in regard to this scene."
"I know little of etiquette," said Hemstead, "but surely any one would fail utterly in true courtesy, did they not accede to that request."
"Thank you, Mr. Hemstead," said Lottie, with a look he did not soon forget. "Will you order the sleigh to the door? Mr. Harcourt, will you get Mr. De Forrest's hat and coat?"
The door leading into the parlor had been closed and locked as soon as the trouble commenced, and thus the guests were ignorant of the disgraceful scene.
"Julian, I wish you to sit quietly here till I return," said Lottie, in the most decided manner.