Here and there were
delightful nooks, with well-cushioned seats, many of which were
occupied by pretty girls and their attendant cavaliers. On one side
of the fernery a wide door opened on to a low terrace, from whence
steps went down to the lawn, and beyond was the dark fringe of trees
wherein Pierre was concealed.
Kitty and Vandeloup found a very comfortable nook just opposite the
door, and they could see the white gleam of the terrace in the
luminous starlight. Every now and then a couple would pass, black
silhouettes against the clear sky, and around they could hear the
murmur of voices and the musical tinkling of the fountain, while the
melancholy music of the valse, with its haunting refrain, sounded
through the pale green twilight. Barty Jarper was talking near them,
in his mild little way, to a tall young lady in a bilious-looking
green dress, and further off Mr Bellthorp was laughing with Mrs
Riller behind the friendly shelter of her fan.
'Well,' said Vandeloup, amiably, as he sank into a seat beside
Kitty, 'what is this great matter you wish to speak about?'
'Madame Midas,' retorted Kitty, looking straight at him.
'Such a delightful subject,' murmured Gaston, closing his eyes, as
he guessed what was coming; 'go on, I'm all attention.'
'You are going to marry her,' said Miss Marchurst, bending towards
him and closing her fan with a snap.
Pages:
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331