Page:Lady Anne Granard 2.pdf/195

Rh, and fifteen ladies, accompanied by at least two young friends, each all elegantly dressed, o'er-canopied by pink drapery and green branches, really formed a very beautiful spectacle; and when taken in association with the productions of their ingenuity, and the end for which it was designed, might have warmed the heart of the sternest cynic, and could not have failed to banish the prejudices of Sir Robert Akhurst himself, at least sufficiently for the purpose of opening his purse-strings. Every face was dressed in smiles—every eye shot bright glances around, either in search of a customer or an admirer, an old friend or a new lover. Happily the sunshine, which of late had been very scarce, shone out most invitingly, and the room soon became full; but it was rather with starers and loungers than purchasers; and the duchess shook her head very knowingly to Lady Anne, who was her opposite neighbour. Lady Penrhyn had desired to be placed near the door, as she said she was one of those people who could not live without air; and she might have added, the situation will give beaux, who are equally necessary for my existence. In a short time her turbaned Turk was to he seen pinned to her counter, and apparently busy with the purchase of beads (ever a plaything in the hands of a Moslem) and various toys; not so her tall Poles, who duly paced the room, and looked at the ladies, but had too little money and too much sense to exchange a dinner for a pincushion.