Then in a concluding speech he
demanded--where were the premiums for the mistresses, who, he was quite
sure, deserved them quite as much or more than the maids!
While everybody was still laughing, Lady Merrifield asked Mr.
Leadbitter to explain that as it was still raining hard, she must ask
all to adjourn to the great loft over the stable, where they could
enjoy themselves. Each associate was to gather her own flock and bring
them in order. Lady Merrifield said she would lead the way, Lord
Rotherwood coming with her, picking up little Primrose in his arms to
carry her upstairs to the loft.
Every one was moving. Dolores was among a crowd of strangers. She
heard them saying how delightful Lord Rotherwood was, and charming and
handsome and graceful Lady Merrifield, with her beautiful eyes. It
worried Dolores, who thought it rather foolish to be pretty, except in
the case of persecuted orphan, and, moreover, admiration of her aunt
always seemed to her disparagement of her mother. And where was
Constance?
She followed the stream, and, climbing some stairs, came out into a
large, long, empty hay-loft, over what had once been hunting stables--
the children's wet-day play-place. The deputation dispatched to the
house had managed to get up there the schoolroom piano, and one of the
curates sat down to it, and began playing dance music, while Miss
Mohun, Miss Hacket, and the other ladies began arranging couples for a
country dance--all girls, of course, except that Lord Rotherwood danced
with the tiny premium girl, and Harry with Primrose.
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