“Then the officers of the regiment, of course.”
Claire half rose and looked in her father’s face.
“We must forget that, my child,” he said imploringly. “Major Rockley is a gentleman, and he has in some sort apologised to Morton. He told me so. To leave him out would be to insult him. He must be asked. His good sense will keep him away. You must ask Colonel Mellersh, too. He is a great friend of Colonel Lascelles.”
“You will ask Mr and Mrs Barclay, father?” said Claire.
“Oh, yes, we must. Dreadfully vulgar people, but it is a necessity.”
Claire sighed as she thought of what was behind Mrs Barclay’s vulgarity, and the note was written.
A couple of days passed, and everyone without exception had expressed his or her intention of being present, when, as he was on the Parade, Colonel Mellersh met the MC, and said:
“By the way, Denville, I want you to invite my young friend Linnell to your party.”
“I shall be charmed,” said Denville, with a smile, for he could not refuse; and in due course Richard Linnell received an invitation and replied.
A little farther on, Denville came upon Lady Drelincourt in her chair.