"I am very much obliged to you," she said with a smile; "but I fear you
will find me very dull company."
"Well, as I'm dull too, it will be all right."
The supper was all that could be desired, and very beautiful everything
seemed beneath the bright suspended lamps. Flowers, fruit, all that
money could provide, were there; and the mingling of English and Eastern
customs added to the charm of the banquet beneath the great mellow
stars.
The wine sparkled, merry voices chatted; and the doctor's speech
proposing their young hostess's good health, and many happy returns of
the day, was so great a triumph, that Mrs Bolter, who had been looking
very cross, and trying in vain to get her husband to her side, began to
seem a little better satisfied, especially as, a few minutes after, he
came behind her chair and whispered:
"I hope I did not say anything to displease you, my dear."
Then, as the little band, composed of half a dozen soldiers of the
force, began a waltz, the company strolled once more in couples about
the grounds; but only to return before long to the front of the house
and form one huge group composed of smaller groups, with the
conversation in full swing.
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End of Volume One.