I could have pushed him away with both hands, but that was not possible
in the publicity of a dinner-table. He whispered in my ear, he leant to
me, he behaved as an infatuated lover, and presently it seemed to me
that my fellow-guests smiled here and there and looked significant. Lady
Ardaragh talked more than ever to the blase-looking young lord who was
her neighbour and her colour was heightened. Her witticisms came to me
across the table, or a portion of them, and I thought she was saying
wild, unbecoming things. I was sure I saw Sir Arthur wince when I turned
to him. But it was all too much of a nightmare to myself to be greatly
concerned about the feelings of others, even those I liked very much.
At last the welcome signal was given for the ladies to leave the table.
When we had returned to the drawing-room the smart London ladies flocked
together in a bevy and began chattering like a field of starlings. Their
talk seemed to be altogether of their male acquaintances, whom they
called by their names--Jack and Tom and Reggie and Algy, and so on.
Lady Ardaragh sat down by my grandmother and talked to her in a low
voice. After the excitement of the dinner she seemed to have become pale
and quiet.
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