"For the sake of one?" asked young Beresford, with a sentimental glance toward Carlita.
Before Leith could reply, Jessica was on her feet.
"This is not a confessional!" she cried, lightly. "Now, we are going to award you gentlemen just thirty minutes for your wine and cigars. At the end of that time we shall expect you promptly in the drawing-room."
"It is too much!" exclaimed Beresford. "I for one am willing to forego the cigar in this occasion."
Jessica hesitated a moment, then, with a half glance at Carlita, exclaimed:
"If Miss de Barryos does not object, you may have the men in the drawing-room. Does smoke nauseate you, Carlita?"
Carlita laughed.
"I used to light my old friend the gardener's pipe, and I am sure he never had a new one oftener than once in five years."
The men followed at once, and Jessica paused only long enough to give instructions to the butler. When she reached the drawing-room, Carlita was already seated at the piano.
Her voice was a trifle weaker, from lack of practice, than it had been the last time Leith heard her sing, but it was infinitely sweet, and was greeted with a vociferous round of applause which neither one nor two songs would still; and then, stepping to the piano, Leith asked her if she would undertake the duet from "Aïda," which she had sung with him on one occasion.