Miss Drake nodded. Lady Lucy put in an explanatory remark about a "dressmaker from town," but was not heard. The table was engaged in watching the new-comer.
"May we congratulate you on the result?" said Mr. Ferrier, putting up his eye-glass.
"If you like," said Miss Drake, indifferently, still gently munching at her cake. Then suddenly she smiled--a glittering infectious smile, to which unconsciously all the faces near her responded. "I have been reading the book you lent me!" she said, addressing Mr. Ferrier.
"Well?"
"I'm too stupid--I can't understand it."
Mr. Ferrier laughed.
"I'm afraid that excuse won't do, Miss Alicia. You must find another."
She was silent a moment, finished her cake, then took some grapes, and began to play with them in the same conscious provocative way--till at last she turned upon her immediate neighbor, a young barrister with a broad boyish face.
"Well, I wonder whether you'd mind?"
"Mind what?"