"
"I never thought of it from that day to this," said Kitty, who had
clasped her hands behind her head and was staring at the ceiling. "Say,
please, that"--she spaced out the words deliberately--"Mr. and Lady
Kitty Ashe--are unable to accept--Lord and Lady Parham's
invitation--etc.--"
"Kitty!" said Margaret, firmly, "there must be a 'regret' and a 'kind.'
Think! Ten days! The party is next week!"
"No 'regret,' and no 'kind'!" said Kitty, still staring overhead. "It's
my affair, please, Margaret, altogether. And I'll see the note before it
goes, or you'll be putting in civilities."
Margaret, in despair, looked entreatingly at Ashe. He and she had often
conspired before this to soften down Kitty's enormities. But he said
nothing--made not the smallest sign.
With difficulty Margaret got a few more directions out of Kitty, over
whom a shade of sombre taciturnity had now fallen. Then, saying she
would write the notes down-stairs and come back, she gathered up her
basketful of letters and departed.
As soon as she was alone with Ashe, Kitty took up a novel beside her,
and pretended to be absorbed in it.
He hesitated a moment, then he stooped over her and took her hand.
Pages:
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309