“I hope Miss Force is not indisposed,” said Col. Anglesea, missing Odalite from her place at the table.
“She does not feel very well, but may perhaps join us in the drawing room,” said Mrs. Force, as they all took their seats around the board.
Mr. Force sought to enliven the meal with gay conversation, but signally failed.
Col. Anglesea affected to treat the young midshipman with great condescension, but equally failed; for Le ignored and disregarded him to the verge of actual rudeness—either not hearing his remarks or else answering them in monosyllables and giving all his attention to his little cousins, Wynnette and Elva, who were seated, by their own choice, the one on his right and the other on his left.
Mrs. Force did not attempt to converse, and Miss Meeke, chilled by the social coldness around her, kept silence.
In less than an hour the uncomfortable meal was over and the party withdrew to the drawing room.
Le then arose to bid them good-night.
“No, no, Leonidas, my lad! Don’t go! Not yet, at least. Wait; I have something to say to you. Excuse me, friends! Come into the library with me, Le,” said Mr. Force, rising, drawing the arm of the younger man within his own and passing out.
When they reached the little book room in the rear of Mrs. Force’s sitting room, and which the family dignified by the name of library, Mr. Force said:
“Sit down, Le.” And taking a seat himself, pushed another to his companion.