He drew back, evidently disconcerted.
"Oh, I try some experiments. They generally break down."
"You try to do without servants, Evelyn says, as much as possible."
"Well, if I do try, I don't succeed," he said, laughing. "But"--his eyes kindled--"isn't it worth while, during a bit of one's life, to escape, if one can, from some of the paraphernalia in which we are all smothered? Look there! What right have I to turn my fellow-creatures into bedizened automata like that?"
And he threw out an accusing hand towards the two powdered footmen, who were removing the coffee-cups and making up the fire in the next room, while the magnificent groom of the chambers stood like a statue, receiving some orders from the Duchess.
Julie, however, showed no sympathy.
"They are only automata in the drawing-room. Down-stairs they are as much alive as you or I."
"Well, let us put it that I prefer other kinds of luxury," said Delafield. "However, as I appear to have none of the qualities necessary to carry out my notions, they don't get very far."
"You would like to shake hands with the butler?" said Julie, musing. "I knew a case of that kind. But the butler gave warning."
Delafield laughed.