The conversation of the whole table was paralyzed by her voice. My eye caught Antony's, and we both laughed.
"There, there, my dear, don't be even suggesting such things," said
Mr. Dodd, soothingly.
"La! Mrs. Dodd, you make me blush," giggled Miss Springle.
I wondered what Antony thought of it all, and whether he had ever been among such people before. His face betrayed nothing after he laughed with me, and he seemed to be quietly enjoying his dinner, which, fortunately, was good.
It was only for a few minutes before we all said good-night that we spoke together alone.
"Shall you be down to breakfast, Comtesse?" he asked me.
"Oh yes," I said, "These people would never understand. They would think I was being deliberately rude if I breakfasted in my room."
"At nine o'clock, then?"
"Yes."
"Lend me your La Rochefoucauld to read to-night?" he asked.