“But, although,” as he bashfully explained, “it was understood and intended to be a young folks’ entertainment, yet the elders of the family were invited, and expected to be present with them.”
This was quite in accordance with “the custom of the country,” or, at least, of the county, as had been shown at the Christmas Eve gathering at Mondreer.
“We thank you very much, and we shall like to go, if we can,” said Mrs. Force, as she left her seat and went to the front window, where Odalite stood looking out on the fast-gathering clouds.
“You heard Tom Grandiere’s message, dear?” she asked, in a low tone.
“Yes, mamma,” answered Odalite, who slipped a letter into her pocket.
“Then it depends on you, dear, whether we accept the invitation or not. If you prefer to stay quietly at home, be sure that we shall not go and leave you alone.”
“Then I prefer to go, mamma. I could not bear that the children should be disappointed. And, indeed,” she added, seeing that her mother hesitated, “I shall enjoy going.”
“Very well, dear,” said Mrs. Force. And she went back and spoke to Tom Grandiere, accepting, in the name of her whole family, the invitation of which he was the bearer.
Tom then arose, and, saying that he had yet to go to a good many other houses, took leave and departed.