She could not reply to these words, but blushed so intensely that the old man forbore farther praise, and merely saying:
“But it does not become you and me to compliment one another, my darling,” he took up his newspaper.
Upon the whole, this was a very cheerful breakfast. When it was over, the old gentleman ordered his horse, and went for his daily ride.
Drusilla took advantage of his absence to set all the servants briskly to work to open the closed rooms, and clear away the debris of yesterday’s great festival, so that by the time he should return the whole house should be restored to order.
The abundant remains of the feast were distributed to the poor around.
Moreover, she sent a note to the Seymours, asking them to come and spend the evening. And the messenger that carried it brought back their acceptance of the invitation.
Drusilla and her uncle dined tête-à-tête.
In the evening the Seymours came according to agreement; and Drusilla gave them music. They stayed till ten o’clock, and then took leave.
“No wonder that old comrade of mine should go mad over your music, my darling. I am not a music-maniac myself, generally, but I am always profoundly affected by yours,” said the General, when they were gone.
Again Drusilla blushed deeply under the praise, but then recovering herself with a light laugh, she answered: