Discussions intruded then; the diversion ended the music.
Palla presently rose, spoke to Vanya and Estridge, and came over to where Jim Shotwell sat beside Marya.
Interrupted, they both looked up, and Jim rose as Estridge also presented himself to Marya.
Palla said: “If you will take me out, Jim, we can show everybody the way.” And to Marya: “Just a little supper, you know––but the dining room is below.”
Her pretty drawing-room was only partly furnished––an 110 expensive but genuine set of old Aubusson being her limit for the time.
But beyond, in the rear, the little glass doors opened on a charming dining-room, the old Georgian mahogany of which was faded to a golden hue. Curtains, too, were golden shot with palest mauve; and two Imperial Chinese panels of ancient silk, miraculously embroidered and set with rainbow Ho-ho birds, were the only hangings on the walls. And they seemed to illuminate the room like sunshine.
Shotwell, who knew nothing about such things but envisaged them with reverence, seated Palla and presently took his place beside her.
His neighbour on his left was Marya, again––an arrangement which Palla might have altered had it occurred to her upstairs.
Estridge, very animated, and apparently happy, recalled to Palla their last dinner together, and their dance.