Some even had the ill-luck to inquire of the General, or of Anna, or Dick:
“Where is Mr. Alexander Lyon now?”
But the quiet answer was always the same:
“In Washington, attending to the sale of some real estate there.”
And the conversation would be quickly turned.
With the exception of these annoying questions, implied or directly asked, and which General Lyon knew must be sooner or later met and answered, and which he felt had best be settled at once, the party passed off as pleasantly as any of its predecessors had done.
On this occasion at least there was no failure upon account of the weather. There never was a finer starlight winter night to invite people out.
Nor was there any tampering with the lamps of the long drawing-room; there never was seen a more brilliantly lighted and warmed saloon to entice people in.
The music was inspiring; the dancing was animated, the supper excellent. The festivities were kept up all night.
And did Drusilla enjoy the party?