Page:The Semi-detached House.djvu/228

 "Oh, my dear, I never saw them, I really can't go; and indeed, I don't think the blonde on my cap is quite fresh."

"They are only Lord Chester's brother and sister, mamma, so they cannot be called company; and Rose and I have made your cap a perfect model of fashion," said Janet.

"Then you will like to meet Greydon; and there is nobody else but young Grenville and one or two of his friends?"

"Yes, young officers, full of jokes and quizzing. However, I don't mind being laughed at by them,"

"Lord Chester did hint that perhaps his father might come," added John falteringly. "Lord Chesterton was so good as to say he wished to see me; but you would not mind him, my dear."

"Lord Chesterton of all people—a Cabinet Minister, and I, who cannot read the 'Times,' and should not know a Reform Bill from a Budget, if you were to pay me for it; and I don't even know if I have a new pair of gloves in the house. Oh, John, John, this all comes of