the corner of the General’s mouth, and he seized the earliest opportunity to put in his word.
“I’ve got some news for you, Mrs. Talmage Eglinton. You are about to be the recipient of a very high honor.”
“Really! But this is extremely interesting,” was the reply, accompanied by a flash of scrutiny, quickly changed to a charming smile. “Pray don’t keep me in suspense, General. Am I to go for a cruise in the royal yacht, or dine with the Lord Mayor?”
“The Duke of Beaumanoir is going to ask you down to his country-place at Prior’s Tarrant,” said the General, imperturbably ignoring her persiflage. “I was with him this morning, and I gathered that you’ll have your invitation in the course of the day. We’re all going down. The Duke is Alec’s new boss, don’t you know, and he has taken a liking to the lot of us.”
He carefully avoided his wife’s eyes and those of his guests as he burst this amazing bombshell, thereby depriving himself of the sight of a toss of Leonie’s pretty head and of the raising of two pairs of elderly eyebrows. His hostess had his sole attention, and she re-
[133]
