The last sentence was addressed to the Dowager, who smiled graciously, for she was watching Gerard.
“My daughter-in-law plays a very great deal,” said the Dowager.
But the evening was long. Every one hoped for diversion from the Mopiuses, who were expected on the morrow, and a general yawn of relief hung heavy round the bedroom candles.
“Theodore Helmont is straight right down to the bottom,” Otto said to his wife as soon as they were alone. “You see how earnest he is, and how wise. If ever you stand in need of a counsellor, Ursula, I hope you will turn to Theodore. He is one of the few men on whom I could fully rely.”
“You are my counsellor,” replied Ursula, wishing the words were more widely true.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE SECOND MRS. MOPIUS
When the Baronial invitation reached Villa Blanda, Uncle Mopius immediately said “No.” He wanted so exceedingly to go that he revolted from himself, and then stuck to his assertion of independence. For, most of all, he wanted not to want to accept.