Page:The Yellow Book - 01.djvu/287

Rh say, too, that she is frantically jealous because Mandeville used to come and practise in my boudoir. He says no one can accompany him as I do!

Lady Dol.I hope Cyril does not meet Mr. Mandeville when he goes to your house.

Mrs. de Trappe.Let me see. I believe I introduced them. At any rate, I know I saw them at luncheon together last week.

Lady Dol.At luncheon together! Cyril and this person who sings? What could my boy and Mr. Mandeville have in common?

Mrs. de Trappe.They both appear to admire Sarah Sparrow very much. And I cannot find what men see in her. She is not tall and her figure is most innocent; you would say she was still in pinafores. As for her prettiness, I admit she has fine eyes, but of course she blackens them. I think the great attraction is her atrocious temper. One never knows whom she will stab next.

Lady Dol.[Half to herself.]Last week Cyril came in after midnight. He refused to answer my questions.

Mrs. de Trappe.You seem absent-minded, my dear Edith.[Pause.]I must be going now. Where are Arthur and James? We have not a moment to lose. We are going to choose wedding presents. James is going to choose Arthur's and Arthur is going to choose James's, so there can be no jealousy. It was I who thought of that way out of the difficulty. One does one's best to be nice to them, and then something happens and upsets all one's plans. Where is Cyril?

Lady Dol.I am afraid Cyril is not at home.

Mrs. de Trappe.Then I shall not see him. Tell him I am angry, and give my love to Julia. I hope she does not disturb you when you are in the drawing-room and have visitors. So difficult to keep a grown-up girl out of the drawing-room. Where can those men be?[Enter Lord Doldrummond, Mr. Rh