e entertainment. He played "Intermezzo" as a solo
violin, and the beautiful melody only added to both Mulberry's and
Gladys's happiness. Many others also played and sang, and at last by
dint of great persuasion Gladys consented to sing. She had a magnificent
clear soprano voice and as he listened Mulberry Beaufort fairly trembled
for joy.

In the midst of the proceedings the dowegar Lady Beaufort entered
(Mulberry's mother). She looked a great deal older than she was but she
was still very handsome.

Her hair was silvery white, but her eyes and complexion were very dark,
and she very much resembled her son. She was attired entirely in black
silk and white lace.

The reader may think it strange that Lady Beaufort did not make her
appearance at the table d'hote but to tell the truth she considered
herself rather too old for such things, her age being 75. She generally
partook of a plate of fricassed ham and a glass of sherry, by her own
fireside, but the last two nights she had partaken of her meal with
Helen.

During her repast she usually read Household Hints and then on coming
into the drawing room she had plenty to talk about. She had given her
son a great deal of hints as to how he should propose and now hearing
that he was accepted she made her way to where Gladys was sitting and
proceeded to give her some advice as to her future housekeeping. It
rather bored Gladys but being so far very high in Lady Beauforts
estimation, she tried her best to look interested.

At about 10-30, Lady Beaufort got up and played God save the queen on
the piano and several of guests joined in the chorus on their violins
and harps, soon after which, the people began to depart.

"Shall you have guests tomorrow night Mulberry?" enquired Gladys as
soon as the last visitor had strayed from the drawing room.

"No dear I dont think so, they tire me if I have them every night"
replied Mulberry.

"But you'll have the dinner I suppose?" eagerly asked Gladys.

"Of course" replied Mulberry with a shrug of the shoulders "as I told
you Gladys it is a nightly performance here."

"How nice!" gasped Gladys "well now Mulberry dear I will go and see how
Helen is; shall I say good night now?"

"If it pleases you dear" answered Mulberry.

Gladys kissed him fondly and then turned to Lady Beaufort who
accompanied her upstairs.

Lawrence and Mulberry then retired to the study for another glass of
burgandy before going to bed.

CHAPTER 3