Seventh Scene: The Evening Party
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MR. TURLINGTON,
Wednesday, December 15th.--Ten o'clock.
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"Dearest Natalie--As the brute insists, the brute must have the invitation which I
inclose. Never mind, my child. You and Launce are coming to dinner, and I will
see that you have your little private opportunities of retirement afterward. All I
expect of you in return is, not to look (when you come back) as if your husband
had been kissing you. You will certainly let out the secret of those stolen kisses, if
you don't take care. At mamma's dinner yesterday, your color (when you came
out of the conservatory) was a sight to see. Even your shoulders were red! They
are charming shoulders, I know, and men take the strangest fancies sometimes.
But, my dear, suppose you wear a chemisette next time, if you haven't authority
enough over him to prevent his doing it again!
"Your affectionate LOUISA."
The private history of the days that had passed since the marriage was written
in that letter. An additional chapter--of some importance in its bearing on the
future--was contributed by the progress of events at Lady Winwood's party.
By previous arrangement with Natalie, the Graybrookes (invited to dinner) arrived
early. Leaving her husband and her stepdaughters to entertain Sir Joseph and
Miss Lavinia, Lady Winwood took Natalie into her own boudoir, which
communicated by a curtained opening with the drawing-room.
"My dear, you are looking positively haggard this evening. Has anything
"I am nearly worn out, Louisa. The life I am leading is so unendurable that, if
Launce pressed me, I believe I should consent to run away with him when we
leave your house tonight."
