Rain was falling too steadily to permit of outdoor amusement, and the
party suffered considerably during the next two hours from the absolute
quiet that was enforced all over the house in order to give Lola every
chance of achieving slumber. Even the click of billiard balls was
considered a possible factor of disturbance, and the canaries were
carried down to the gardener's lodge, while the cuckoo clock in the hall
was muffled under several layers of rugs. A notice, "Please do not Knock
or Ring," was posted on the front door at Bertie's suggestion, and guests
and servants spoke in tragic whispers as though the dread presence of
death or sickness had invaded the house. The precautions proved of no
avail: Lola added a sleepless morning to a wakeful night, and the bets of
the party had to be impartially divided between Nursery Tea and the
French Colt.
"So provoking to have to split out bets," said Mrs. de Claux, as her
guests gathered in the hall later in the day, waiting for the result of
the race.
"I did my best for you," said Lola, feeling that she was not getting her
due share of gratitude; "I told you what I had seen in my dreams, a brown
horse, called Bread and Butter, winning easily from all the rest.
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