"Thank you, Everest, so much. Of course we will come. You are always a delightful host."
Graham said nothing, but looked at his plate. The other men being merely guests of the Grahams could say nothing.
Regina's face was pale and Everest's clouded when they all rose from the table.
"We have a splendid outfit for ourselves," Sybil continued, as they moved together to the door. "We sha'n't poach on any of your preserves. We have tents, servants, furniture, everything. They are all out at the oasis. I found out where you'd sent yours, and, as I knew you'd like us to join you, I had all ours sent there too."
Everest's face did not grow any more pleased looking at this statement.
"You did not have my wire, I suppose?" he asked, as they passed into the hall.
"What wire?" inquired Sybil, with an innocent expression.
"I don't know that it matters if you didn't get it," he answered. "You had none at all from me?" His eyes were on her face and she coloured slightly as she shook her head.
"No, Everest; I have not heard from you since you left England."