As Mrs. Coolidge and Isabel left the drawing-room to seek their own, Sir Charles said to the former:
“At what hour shall I order the carriage for you, madam?”
“Really you are extremely hospitable, it seems to me. You appear to be very anxious to get rid of us,” she retorted, sharply.
“Madam, I think it will be the kindest arrangement for all of us for you to go as soon as possible,” he replied, sadly, but firmly.
At four o’clock that afternoon they were all en route for London, where they purposed remaining until Mr. Coolidge should return from America, when they hoped to leave for the Continent and join Wilbur on his travels. But he did not return to them!
Instead, they shortly received a telegram bidding them come home immediately, as he had found his affairs in such a confused state upon reaching New York that a failure seemed inevitable.
Accordingly, the first of July found them a sadder but wiser family, once more domiciled in their home in New York City.
CHAPTER XLIII
ASPASIA COOLIDGE
Six months later a cheerful group gathered in the breakfast-room of Lord Dunforth’s house in London.
Brownie has taken the head of the table lately, as Lady Dunforth says she is getting too old to have the responsibility of it, but in reality she loves to sit and watch the lovely face beaming over the silver urns, and the dainty little hands as they flutter like white doves about the rich and glittering service.