.

"Well, my dear," said Mrs. Leyton, gayly, "it seems we are to stay.
Leyton says Rushbrook won't hear of our going."

"Does that mean that your husband takes the whole opera troupe over to
your house in exchange?"

"Don't be satirical, but congratulate yourself on your opportunity of
seeing an awfully funny gathering. I wouldn't have you miss it for the
world. It's the most characteristic thing out."

"Characteristic of what?"

"Of Rushbrook, of course. Nobody else would conceive of getting together
such a lot of queer people."

"But don't it strike you that we're a part of the lot?"

"Perhaps," returned the lively Mrs. Leyton. "No doubt that's the reason
why Jack Somers is coming over, and is so anxious that YOU should stay.
I can't imagine why else he should rave about Miss Grace Nevil as he
does. Come, Grace, no New York or Philadelphia airs, here! Consider your
uncle's interests with this capitalist, to say nothing of ours. Because
you're a millionaire and have been accustomed to riches from your birth,
don't turn up your nose at our unpampered appetites. Besides, Jack
Somers is Rushbrook's particular friend, and he may think your
criticisms unkind."

"But IS Mr. Somers such a great friend of Mr. Rushbrook's?" asked Grace
Nevil.

"Why, of course. Rushbrook consults him about all these things; gives
him carte blanche to invite whom he likes and order what he likes, and
trusts his taste and judgment implicitly."

"Then this gathering is Mr. Somers's selection?"

"How preposterous you are, Grace. Of course not. Only Somers's IDEA of
what is pleasing to Rushbrook, gotten up with a taste and discretion
all his own. You know Somers is a gentleman, educated at West
Point--traveled all over Europe--you might have met him there; and
Rushbrook--well, you have only to see him to know what HE is. Don't you
understand?"

A slight seriousness; the same shadow that once before darkened the
girl's charming face gave way to a mischievous knitting of her brows as
she said naively, "No."

CHAPTER III

Grace Nevil had quite recovered her equanimity when the indispensable
Mr. Somers, handsome, well-bred, and self-restrained, approached her
later in the crowded drawing-room. Blended with his subdued personal
admiration was a certain ostentation of respect--as of a tribute to
a distinguished guest--that struck her. "I am to have the pleasure of
taking you in, Miss Nevil," he said. "It's my one compensation for the