"If you and your servant can manage to have the house in order, I'll excuse you from every thing else. The entertainment will be sent in from the confectioners; and waiters will relieve you of all care. You will take your place by me, nominally to receive the company; but I have engaged a lady every way competent, to do it in reality."
"Will it be Miss Richmond?"
"Yes."
"I would rather have had Marion Gilbert. She is so kind and really tries to teach me." The tone was sad and humble; but Paul did not seem to notice it.
"I have chosen the one I thought suitable," he replied, "and you will show her proper attention."
A spark of the old wilfulness shot from Gertrude's eye as she said:
"Perhaps I shall not see her, I may not be present at all."
"Just as you please, Mrs. Dudley; but remember if you choose to slight my invited guests, I never will forgive you."
She was subdued at once, and with a burst of feeling cried:
"Oh, Paul, I never thought you'd treat me so!"