Her thoughts were interrupted by the ceasing of the piano and the compliments of Lady Blake and Mr. Wainbridge.
“You were asleep,” said Mr. Wainbridge to Launa.
“No. My thoughts were wandering.”
“With more spirits?”
“Mr. Wainbridge, come here,” said Lady Blake. “Come and see this; it is by Herr Donau. Play it, do, Herr Donau, and then Miss Archer has promised to play ‘Warum.’ ”
“There is a history in that,” said Launa, when the great man had finished. “There is an unravelled thread in it.”
“Ah, yes,” he said, “there is. You have understanding, Miss Archer.”
“And now, will you play ‘Warum?’ ” asked Lady Blake.
“To hear Miss Archer play ‘Warum’ is one of the world’s desires,” said Mr. Wainbridge, “because you puzzle it—the world, I mean.”
She did not answer. Lady Blake rehearsed speeches to all her dear and jealous friends while the music lasted. She would say “Donau and Miss Archer played for us during a whole afternoon.” She had triumphed.