Tea was brought in delicate
porcelain cups, then followed cards, which made the time pass less
drearily till supper. This consisted of dishes still tinier than
those at dinner, and it was scarcely ended when it was announced
that Jumbo had come for Miss Delavie.
Gladly she departed, after an exchange of curtsies, happily not
hearing the words behind her:--
"An artful young minx."
"And imagine the impudence of securing Jumbo's attendance, forsooth!"
"Nay," said Mrs. Hunter, "she seemed to me a pretty modest young
gentlewoman enough."
"Pretty! Yes, she comes of my Lady's own stock, and will be just
such another."
"Yes; it is quite plain that it is true that my Lady sent her here
because she had been spreading the white apron for the young baronet."
"And now she is trying her arts on poor cousin Amyas Belamour. You
heard how she would take no advice, and replied with impertinence."
"Shall you give my Lady a hint?"
"Not I. I have been treated with too much insolence by Lady Belamour
to interfere with her again," said Mrs. Phoebe, drawing herself up;
"I shall let things take their course unless I can remonstrate with
my own kinsman."
CHAPTER XIII. THE FLUTTER OF HIS WINGS.
Then is Love's hour to stray!
Oh, how he flies away!--T.
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