"If I had known that you were to be there!" he exclaimed. Then he added: "I had a card, and, indeed, I fully intended to look in. But one is always so pressed for time just before the long vacation, and yesterday I was quite exhausted. Did you see any of my people?"
"Yes," said Mary, "Eve was there; we expected her to play. It is a very musical house."
"Ah, yes! I have heard so from my sister, and from Colonel Lightmark. He says that Lady Dulminster is really a most accomplished woman."
"He looks as if he found her charming," put in Lady Garnett with a shrug. Then she added, suppressing a yawn, her thin fingers dallying regretfully with the leaves of her novel: "I suppose your exertions are nearly over, Mr. Sylvester. You will be going away soon?"
He shook his head gravely.
"I fear not for long. I may have a week's cruise with my brother-in-law—you know, he has a yacht for the summer—but my labours are only beginning. I have the elections in view. You agree with me, no doubt, Lady Garnett, that the Government is bound to go to the country in the autumn; you know, of course, that I am thinking of standing for——"
"I congratulate you in advance, Mr. Sylvester! I am sure you will get in, especially if you have your sister down to canvass."
"I am afraid Eve is not sufficiently interested in politics to be of much assistance," said the candidate. Then he went on, a little nervously, pulling at his collar: "You will wish me success, Miss Masters?"
"Oh, yes!" said the girl hastily; "I am sure we both wish you that,
Mr. Sylvester. We shall be most interested, shall we not, Aunt
Marcelle?"
Lady Garnett came to her assistance with smiling promptitude.