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She had been reticent and guarded for years, and he was not in a mood to hope much. But now he hears the clear voice of Vaura cry, "checkmate," and O'Gormon leads her to the piano. Vaura gave them a gem of Mozart's, then some gay opera airs, then, in response to their pleading for some song, gave "Il Bacio," in her full rich tones. Sir Dennis stood by the piano and looked his admiration.
But as O'Gormon said to Castenelli, on dining with him on that same evening: "Faith, all that was on the table of Lady Wyesdale wouldn't add to the hips of a grasshopper." "No, a fellow wouldn't have to try your larding system to get himself into waltzing shape; did your little. English duchess cater for him," had laughed Castenelli. But let us return to the Duchess of Wyesdale and her guests.
Trevalyon was laying when you talked about the 'bronzed beauty; he wanted some one to take him up at ten to one you meant a dashing cavalry man, or a 'go-as-he-please' infantry." "Order! order! O'Gormon," interrupted Trevalyon, laughing. "Oh! I'm shocked, Capt. Trevalyon," cried Miss Marchmont seriously, "that my dear potato bug, with all his innocent ways, its care of its eggs, ."
O'Gormon came up the walk as she descended the verandah steps. "Good morning, Miss Vernon." "Bonjour, Sir Dennis; sorry I am deserting the villa as you are making your entree." "Fortune favours me, in that you are not already gone. May I not be your escort, and attend you?" "Well, I scarcely know; I am not going to the Colonna gardens," she answered gaily.
O'Gormon and a young Italian attached to the Quirinal having waited for them at the door, conducted them to their landau, when with warm Christmas greetings they parted to meat for lunch with the Duchess of Wyesdale.
Miss Marchmont, now asking her mother to join her in the duet, "Come where my love lies dreaming," they glided arm in arm to the piano, and now Miss Marchmont implored of some one to come where her love lay dreaming, in a shrill treble, while her mother repeated the request in a very fair alto. O'Gormon challenged Vaura to a game at chess.
"Oh, I hardly know; he is a great good-natured creature; if his heart be proportioned to the rest of his frame, the future Lady O'Gormon will require to be intensely lovable." "The cards are quite artistic this year," said Lady Esmondet; "but of yours, I think the one from poor Marie Perrault the most recherchee."
Here Lady Esmondet introduced Sir Dennis O'Gormon to the Marchmonts; Trevalyon and Douglas having met them before. The butler now announced dinner, when Lady Esmondet taking the arm of Sir Dennis assigned Mrs. Marchmont to Trevalyon, when Douglas handed in Vaura and Miss Marchmont.
One of the Marines told me that Winston Churchill was "up and down the road amongst the shells," and I was also told that he had given orders that Antwerp was not to be taken till the last man in it was dead. The Marines are getting horribly knocked about. Yesterday Mrs. O'Gormon went out in her own motor-car and picked wounded out of the trenches.
Here a servant announced Sir Denis O'Gormon. "Ah, O'Gormon, glad to see you. Lady Esmondet, permit me to present to you Sir Dennis O'Gormon. Miss Vernon allow me to introduce Sir Dennis; Douglas, I believe you and O'Gormon have met before." Lady Esmondet and Miss Vernon shook hands with and welcomed their guest, Lady Esmondet saying graciously, "Any friend of Captain Trevalyon is always welcome."
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