, round the big table, with shrimps, and cold ham, and
potted beef..."

"They'd put it down as the latest society craze, and adopt it when they
wished to be smart... You will be one of the fashion leaders of the
neighbourhood, whether you like it or not, so you'd better take heed to
your ways. You and Lady Cassandra."

"Humph!" Grizel's eyes showed their most impish gleam. "Yes! I'm
building great hopes on Cassandra. It's dull keeping all the fun to
oneself. With her help, if she's the right sort, I'll make things hum!"

Martin told himself that it was waste of time to say any more for the
moment. Whatever he said, Grizel would contradict; whatever he
proposed, she would reject; and as what she said would have no bearing
whatever on her future conduct, the wisest plan seemed to be to kiss her
several times over, talk delicious nonsense for a couple of minutes, and
then to retire precipitately to his study. The which he proceeded to
do.

Left to herself, Grizel strolled into the half-furnished drawing-room
and seated herself on a packing box to survey the scene. Two rooms had
been thrown into one, and the windows lowered, to allow a wide view of
the garden, and so increase the feeling of space. The furniture was a
selection from the collection of antiques which she had inherited from
her aunt. Several old cabinets stood ranged along the wall ready to be
put into position, and filled with treasures still unpacked. In a
corner were rolled the old Persian rugs which would be spread over the
parquet floor. At the end of five minutes' scrutiny Grizel's quick
brain had put every article into its place, and her quick eye had seen
the completed whole, and found it good. She decided to get it finished
before lunch, and give Martin a surprise, and rang the bell to summon
the staff to her aid.

The parlourmaid appeared with alacrity. It was like living in a
novelette, to attend a bride who wore pink and white fineries in the
morning, and looked as if she had never done a hand's turn in her life.
She entered on the day's duties with a refreshing feeling of excitement.

"Please 'Um, the fish-man's called."

"Oh! has he? I can't attend to him now. Parsons!--your name is
Parsons, isn't it?--would you kindly remember that my name is not `'Um.'
It is just as easy to say Madam, and sounds far better. I want you and
Marie, and cook, to come here at once, and I'll tell you what I want
done to this room."

"At--a