Ormonde's morning-room, where afternoon tea was always served.
It was a pleasant room in warm summer weather, as its aspect was east,
and the afternoons were cool and shady there; but of a chill evening at
the end of March it was cold and dim, and needed the glow of a good fire
to make it attractive.
Daylight still lingered to the sky, but was fast fading, and the dancing
light of a cheerful fire was a pleasant contrast to the gray shadows
without. The room was very nondescript; its furniture was of the spidery
fashion which ruled when the "first gentleman" held the reins; thin hard
sofas and scanty draperies were supplemented by Persian rugs and showy
cushions, while various specimens of doubtful china crowded the
mantel-piece and consoles. Mrs. Ormonde was quite innocent of original
taste, but was a quick, industrious imitator, while of comfortable
chairs she was a most competent judge.
Quite sure of finding Mrs. Ormonde, Lady Alice, and Miss
Brereton--another visitor--refreshing themselves after their out-door
exercise, and intending to announce the pleasant news of Errington's
return, Katherine exclaimed, "Lady Alice!" as she crossed the threshold,
then seeing no one, stopped.
"Lady Alice is not here," said a strong, harsh voice, and a tall figure
in a shooting-coat and gaiters rose from the depths of a large
arm-chair, the back of which was toward the door and stood before her.
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