"CLAUDE INGRAM."
Celia dropped the note in the trepidation which it caused her. She had no desire to be presented to the originator of the Dragonnades. And what was "entering into company?" She was sure it meant what she would not like, and might think actually wrong.
"Do you drive out this afternoon, Madam?" asked Patient, appearing at the door.
"No, Patient," said Celia, hesitatingly, for she was still thinking of the note. "Mr. Philip will drink a dish of chocolate with me here."
"Yes, Madam," replied Patient, and disappeared.
Celia changed her dress with a heavy heart, and came back into her boudoir, where preparations for the chocolate were made. She found Mr. Philip Ingram very comfortably established on her sofa.
"Good evening, Madam," observed that gentleman, without any alteration in his attitude of repose.
"Philip, what is it to go into company?"
"To dress fine and tell lies. Why?"
Celia gave him the note in answer.