N.

[Rising hastily.] Mrs. Gaylustre--I didn't see you.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

[To BROOKE and LADY EUPHEMIA.] Dear old Lady Leeke, whose wheels we
locked in the Park, said she had heard Imogen's name mentioned fifty
times. Mrs. Charlie Lessingham declares nothing prettier has been seen
since her own first season. And it's true--that's the best of it! I saw
the child make her courtesy; I was determined I would. I entered the
Throne Room just before her and tumbled through anyhow, with one eye
straight in front of me and the other screwed round towards my girl.
There was a general shudder--it was at my squint.

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

I trust not, Katherine.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

When I did get through they gave me my train, as much as to say: "If
this belongs to you, take it home as soon as possible." But there I
stuck in the doorway, not budging an inch. I didn't care how the
officials whispered, and waved, and beckoned; I stood my ground. And
then, Julian, then my breath nearly went from me, for I saw her coming!
Effie, it was lovely! Brooke, you would have been proud of your sister!
Her cheeks were like the outside leaf of a Duchesse de Vallombrosa rose,
and her eyes like two dewdrops on the top of it; and she had just enough
fright in her little heart to make her feathers tremble. Then she
courtesied. Ah, if she had stumbled I should have been by her side in an
instant--who would have blamed me? I'm her mother!--but she didn't. No,
she floated towards me--dipping, and dipping, and dipping, again and
again, as smoothly and gracefully as a swan swimming backward!

[LADY TWOMBLEY embraces IMOGEN.]

LADY EUPHEMIA VIBART.

I am _too_ glad, Aunt Kitty.

BROOKE TWOMBLEY.

Awfully satisfactory--what?

SIR JULIAN TWOMBLEY.

I remember Lady Liphook's daughter Miriam falling and rolling over in
the season of '85.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Lor' how sorry I feel for anybody who isn't a mother! But, I say,
there's a bit that wants taking in there. [Pinching up the shoulder of
IMOGEN's dress.] Gaylustre, you must tell your woman Antoinette this
won't do.

MRS. GAYLUSTRE.

Oh, Lady Twombley--please!

[MRS. GAYLUSTRE puts her handkerchief to her eyes.]

LADY TWOMBLEY.

My dear, pray forgive me! I really forgot where we were.

MRS. GAYLUSTRE.

[To LADY TWOMBLEY, with a little sob.] You wouldn't hurt my feelings
wilfully, I know.

LADY TWOMBLEY.

Not for the world. But it's a little confusing, mixing up business with
pl