Mrs. Dugald also bent hers, but immediately threw it up and shook it back with a smile.
So graceful was this motion that it can be compared to nothing but the bend and rebound of a lily.
But when Claudia looked up she detected a strange glance of intelligence between her two companions. The beauty's eyes flashed from their sheath of softness and gleamed forth upon the man—two living stilettos pointed with death.
His look expressed annoyance and fear.
He turned away and touched the bell.
"Let dinner be served immediately," he said to the servant who answered the summons.
"Dinner is served, my lord," answered the man, pushing aside the sliding doors opening into the dining room.
Lord Vincent waved his hand to Lady Vincent to precede them, and then gave his arm to Mrs. Dugald to follow her.
But when they reached the dining room Mrs. Dugald left his arm, advanced to the head of the table, and stood with her hand upon the back of the chair and her gaze upon the face of the viscount.
"No; Lady Vincent will take the head of the table," said his lordship, giving his hand to Claudia and installing her.