'
'Mademoiselle Marchurst,' said Vandeloup, ceremoniously, 'I am
delighted to meet you after a year's absence--come,' with a gay
laugh, 'let us begin the comedy thus, for here,' he added quickly,
as the door opened, 'here comes the spectators.'
'Well, young people,' said Madame's voice, as she came slowly into
the room, 'you are all in the dark; ring the bell for lights, M.
Vandeloup.'
'Certainly, Madame,' he answered, touching the electric button,
'Miss Marchurst and myself were renewing our former friendship.'
'How do you think she is looking?' asked Madame, as the servant came
in and lit the gas.
'Charming,' replied Vandeloup, looking at the dainty little figure
in white standing under the blaze of the chandelier; 'she is more
beautiful than ever.'
Kitty made a saucy little curtsey, and burst into a musical laugh.
'He is just the same, Madame,' she said merrily to the tall, grave
woman in black velvet, who stood looking at her affectionately,
'full of compliments, and not meaning one; but when is dinner to be
ready?' pathetically, 'I'm dying of starvation.'
'I hope you have peaches, Madame,' said Vandeloup, gaily; 'the first
time I met Mademoiselle she was longing for peaches.'
'I am unchanged in that respect,' retorted Kitty, brightly; 'I adore
peaches still.'
'I am just waiting for Mr Calton,' said Madame Midas, looking at her
watch; 'he ought to be here by now.
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