Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/143

 been overheard by George, who stood patiently awaiting a chance to speak.

"Are my services required as peacemaker?" he asked.

"You are to scold Dorris for having suddenly developed into a coquette."

"I cannot," he answered gravely, "for I don't think she has."

"Then you did not observe her at dinner?"

"I beg your pardon. I observed her very closely; but I have also noticed her on former occasions, and I don't think the quality has developed suddenly. All women are natural coquettes."

"I cannot listen to such nonsense," said Judith, while my face burned painfully, and I mentally pronounced George more disagreeable than usual.

"Will you come and see that collection of arms which we were talking about?" he asked, with a sudden change of tone, looking at Judith.

She immediately rose to follow him.

Turning to me he added, as if it were a second thought, "Will you come?"

"No, thank you," I answered ungraciously, keeping my seat, and helping myself to a cup of tea which was offered me.

The guests soon began to take their departure, and by half-past nine no one was left there except the family.

"I suppose we must go home too," said Tom reluctantly. "Do your dinner-parties generally break up as early as this?"