"Oh, you've done them beautifully, my dear!" exclaimed Mrs. Dexter; and

even the impassive Smith nodded his head approvingly. Celia was able to

render assistance in various other ways, following Mrs. Dexter

everywhere, and venturing to give a hint now and again. Then, her

excitement increasing, she tried to settle down to her work in the

library; but all the while she was writing down titles in her draft

catalogue she was listening for the sound of the motor, and presently

she heard it buzzing up the drive, followed by hasty footsteps and the

murmur of subdued voices.

When Celia's dinner was brought into the little room behind the library,

Advertisement..

which was now recognized as her own, Mrs. Dexter appeared for a moment.

She was quite calm now, but looked rather tired.

"Everything is all right?" said Celia, sympathetically.

"Yes, my dear," responded Mrs. Dexter, with a little sigh of relief, as

she smoothed her black silk dress. "It's as well that we were all ready;

though this is the shortest notice we've ever had."

"I hope the Marquess is well," said Celia.

Mrs. Dexter shook her head, and sighed again. "I'm afraid not," she

said, gravely; "indeed, he is looking ill; though not so much ill as

tired and worried. He has changed greatly since he was last here, and

looks years and years older. When I last saw him, his lordship was in

the Government, which means, as I dare say you know, a great deal of

work and responsibility; but he was quite cheerful then, and strong;

now----" She paused, and added, "He ought not to be so worried; but

perhaps it's Lord Heyton--he's always been a trouble to his father, I'm

sorry to say. But now he's married, I should have thought that he would

have settled down and not have caused his father any further anxiety.

The Marquess tells me that Lord Heyton is coming down with his bride in

a day or two."

As Mrs. Dexter was departing, Celia said, a little shyly: "Is there any way out of this room except through the library and the

hall? I don't want to disturb the Marquess."

"There is no other door but this one," replied Mrs. Dexter. "You see,

it's only a kind of ante-room. But you need not be afraid of disturbing

his lordship; he will be sure to go to the drawing-room or his own

sitting-room, after he has had his dinner. Though there's no cause for

you to be nervous at meeting his lordship, for he's one of the kindest

of men, especially to anyone in his service."




Most Popular