"What an undignified proceeding!" said Lady Canning, in shocked tones. "Her grandmother, too!" Lord Stafford went off into another paroxysm of mirth. "Why, the highest respect is due to their age in the way of preparation."
"In America there's nothing gives so much pleasure as springing things on a person. The surprise party is a national institution."
Lady Canning rose to her feet, perceptibly agitated. "My dear brother, think of the shock to Indiana. It might be serious."
"'She won't turn a hair'—as we say in the States. She's a thoroughbred! Ha, ha, ha, ha!"
"I'm very glad you told me. I must go and make some kind of a toilette to receive them, and the housekeeper must be apprised."
"My dear sister, 'don't put yourself out'—as we say in the States."
"Poor Indiana! Most unheard-of proceedings!"
During dinner Indiana plied Lord Stafford with questions about her family, all of which he answered seriously, with a knowing twinkle in his eyes. Lady Canning regarded her unconscious face with growing sympathy. She went to her rooms immediately after dinner. "I shall not make my appearance," she thought, "until all the excitement is over. I am upset enough as it is. I can scarcely look at that poor child—I feel so badly for her."
Indiana, entering the library demurely, and seeing that Thurston and Lord Stafford were alone, rushed toward them with a shrill little cry. She laughed as they both started to their feet.
"I'm only giving vent to my repressed exuberance. I can be natural with Uncle Nelson, can't I, Thurston?"