"
In due time Major Conway appeared, and dinner was announced. Mrs.
Shortridge had gone home, so that only two guests sat down with Lady
Mabel and her father. No man made himself more agreeable in his own
house and at his own table than Lord Strathern usually did, for
hospitality was with him an article of religion. But to-day my lord
was not in a religious frame of mind. He was moody and silent, or
growled at his servants, and gave short answers to his guests; so that
Major Conway, after sundry attempts to engage him in conversation,
gave it up, and joined Bradshawe in his efforts to entertain Lady
Mabel. At length the cloth was removed, the servants withdrew, and the
gentlemen sat over their wine; yet Lady Mabel, not trained to a nice
observance of little conventionalities, lingered there, watching her
father's moody brow.
"So L'Isle has got back," said Major Conway.
"The impudent coxcomb!" exclaimed Lord Strathern.
Conway started. But Lady Mabel started as if a snake had bitten
her. She said nothing, however; perhaps she could not had she
tried. But Conway exclaimed: "My lord, perhaps I did not hear you
rightly."
"You did Major Conway.
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