“What is this party you’re giving, anyway?” he asked, following her across the room and leaning beside her on the piano, where she still remained very busily engaged with her decorations.
“An impromptu party,” she exclaimed. “I was shopping this morning––in fact I was buying pots and pans for the cook––when somebody spoke to me. And I recognised a university student whom I had known in Petrograd after the first revolution––Marya Lanois, her name is–––”
She moved aside and began to fuss with a huge bowl of crimson roses, loosening the blossoms, freeing the foliage, and talking happily all the while:
“Marya Lanois,” she repeated, “––an interesting girl. And with her was a man I had met––a pianist––Vanya Tchernov. They told me that another friend of mine––a girl named Ilse Westgard––is now living in New York. They couldn’t dine with me, but they’re coming to supper. So I also called up Ilse Westgard, she’s coming, too;––and I also asked your friend, Mr. Estridge. So you see, Monsieur, we shall have a little music and much valuable conversation, and then I shall give them some supper–––”
She stepped back from the piano, surveyed her handiwork critically, then looked around at him for his opinion.
“Fine,” he said. “How jolly your new house is”––glancing about the room at the few well chosen pieces of antique furniture, the harmonious hangings and comfortably upholstered modern pieces.
“It really is beginning to be livable; isn’t it, Jim?” 94 she ventured. “Of course there are many things yet to buy–––”
They leisurely made the tour of the white-panelled room, looking with approval at the delicate Georgian furniture; the mezzotints; the damask curtains of that beautiful red which has rose-tints in it, too; the charming old French clock and its lovely gilded garniture; the deep-toned ash-grey carpet under foot.
Before the mantel, with its wood fire blazing, they paused.
“It’s so enchantingly homelike,” she exclaimed. “I already love it all. When I come in from shopping I just stand here with my hat and furs on, and gaze about and adore everything!”