Part 68 (2/2)

”Not here. George is rather a stickler--where his relations are concerned.”

”And his guests?”

Clodagh's question was quick and a little anxious.

”Oh, his guests can amuse themselves as they like, of course.”

”Then I shall play to-night--if I can find any one to play with.”

Lady Frances looked over her shoulder, attracted by the sound of voices.

”Well, here comes Rose!” she said. ”Press her into your service! She won't refuse, if you give her Mr. Mansfeldt as a partner. The set she has made on that man the whole afternoon is perfectly disgraceful.”

She turned with a smile to Mrs. Bathurst.

”Ah, Rose! How nice to see you! And you are just in time. We have been taking your name in vain.”

Clodagh became the centre of a noisy party until dinner was announced.

And during the meal itself, the same air of inconsequent gaiety was maintained in her regard, for she sat between Serracauld and his uncle.

A dozen topics were touched upon during the course of the meal--the latest sporting gossip, the latest social scandal, the latest Parisian play, all were discussed, and all laughed over the triviality of the world that has few prejudices, few responsibilities, fewer ideals.

From time to time, during the easy flow of this light talk, she found herself stealing surrept.i.tious glances down the long table to where Gore was seated between Lady Diana Tuffnell and her sister; but not once did she surprise a glance from him. It seemed that he had very successfully banished her from his mind.

After dinner the whole party left the dining-room together, as was the custom at Tuffnell, some to play billiards, some to stroll in the gardens, others to find their way to the music-room, where Lady Diana usually gathered a little audience to listen to her singing. On this evening Clodagh was amongst the first to pa.s.s out of the dining-room; and moving into the centre of the hall, she paused and looked expectantly over her shoulder.

As she had antic.i.p.ated, Deerehurst appeared almost at once, and came directly to her side.

”What is your pleasure?” he said. ”Bridge?”

She looked up swiftly.

”Yes, bridge,” she said quickly. ”I feel I must have excitement to-night.”

He looked at her immovably.

”As you wish,” he said calmly. ”I shall ask Rose Bathurst and Mansfeldt to play.”

He turned away, and at the same moment Lady Diana came forward from a little group that included her husband and Gore. Coming close to Clodagh, she laid her hand kindly on her arm.

”Well, Mrs. Milbanke,” she said pleasantly, ”how shall we amuse you this evening?”

Clodagh turned swiftly. Her nerves felt so tense and strained that even her hostess's quiet voice set them tingling.

”Oh, I have chosen my amus.e.m.e.nt,” she said. ”I want a game of bridge, and Lord Deerehurst has gone to make up a four.”

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