The rays fell upon the calm, stately face of Lady
Helena, upon the grave countenance of her son, upon the bright,
handsome features of Lord Airlie. They sparkled on the delicate
silver, and showed off the pretty china to perfection. The
breakfast was upon the table, but the three occupants of the room
had been waiting. Lady Helena took her seat.
"It seems strange," she said to Lord Earle, "to breakfast without
either of the girls. I would not allow Lillian to rise; and from
some caprice Beatrice forbade her maid to call her, saying she
was tired."
Lord Earle made some laughing reply, but Lady Helena was not
quite pleased. Punctuality with her had always been a favorite
virtue. In case of real illness, allowance was of course to be
made; but she herself had never considered a little extra fatigue
as sufficient reason for absenting herself from table.
The two gentlemen talked gayly during breakfast. Lord Earle
asked Hubert if he would go with him to Holte, and Lord Airlie
said he had promised to drive Beatrice to Langton Priory.
Hearing that, Lady Helena thought it time to send some little
warning to her grandchild.
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