At length the day for the party arrives. A hundred or more invitations have been accepted, and much expectation and curiosity is evoked at Seabright about the coming grand entertainment. Lady Dillworth's eagerness intensifies, and doubts spring up in her mind. What if the charade should prove a failure after all? She is nervous at having to sing in character, and angry with herself for her trepidation. She even tells Walter of her cowardice; and after the last rehearsal, as he goes away, she implores him to help her as much as he possibly can.
'Do, do come early, and manage everything, for I feel as if I were going to break down in the very midst. Recollect, the whole responsibility of making it a success rests on you.'
Walter promises all she requires; but Katie is not convinced, and her doubts increase as the time draws near.
The morning of that day does not begin auspiciously. A fierce storm has been raging for many hours. When the Admiral glances over the newspapers at breakfast, his face becomes grave as he reads down the long list of disasters and wrecks. Presently the footman hands him a letter, and then his face becomes still graver.
'Anything wrong, Herbert?' asks her Ladyship.
'A ship aground on the Short Reefs,' replies he shortly.
'O dear, how dreadful! What is the name of the ship, Sir Herbert?' asks Liddy clasping her hands, and opening her eyes very wide.
'The Daring; and unless they get her off at the top of spring-tide, I fear she will go to pieces on the rocks.'
The Admiral drinks his coffee quickly, and prepares to leave the room.
'Where are you going, Herbert? You haven't taken half a breakfast.'