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"Well," she exclaimed, smiling, "from your appearance, my dear Maria
"I lost my hat," Maria
The Duchess laughed outright. "I heard about that. Roger pretended to be a
"You are too kind," Maria
"Not at all." The Duchess patted her cheek. "What do you say to a cup of tea here in your room, and a little rest? My dear old Gruffstone has arrived, so we will be seven for di
She went out, leaving Maria
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Maria
Yet the meeting turned out to be surprisingly successful. Dr. Gruffstone met her kindly, taking her hand and asking with concern how she felt. "Have you been sleeping?" he inquired. "You appear a little pale."
"This is not your consulting room, Horace," the Duchess said with a smile. "You medical men, always seeing symptoms where there are none! Maria
Carlton's greeting, too, was pleasant. "I am happy to report that the lost treasure has been found," he said lightly. "Your hat is being refurbished and will be returned to you by morning, plumes and all."
To be sure, Victor sulked, but he did not dare do it ostentatiously. Maria
"How absurd," Maria
But the big surprise was Lady A
When the ladies retired to the drawing room, Maria
Finally a burst of laughter from Carlton heralded the appearance of the gentlemen. They sauntered into the drawing room with the smug sleepy look of men who had drunk quite a quantity of good port.
"What a long time you have been," the Duchess exclaimed. "I hope you were not telling stories – you know the kind I mean – in front of Henry, or that you did not let him drink with you."
"He had a single glass of port," the doctor said, giving Henry a paternal pat on the shoulder. "He must learn to handle his wine like a gentleman, Honoria; he is growing up."
Henry's chest swelled visibly.
"Well and good; but it is time for him to go to bed now," said the Duchess.
"Oh, no, not yet! I'm too old to be sent off to bed like a baby. Besides, I want to see the table turning."
The doctor's face lost its good humor and became thunderous. "Honoria, you gave me your word -"
"I did nothing of the sort! In any event I refuse to discuss it in front of Henry. Monsieur Victor, assert your authority."
"Certainement, madame la duchesse." Said Victor, with a look of utter incompetence. "Henri -"
"No, I won't. I want to stay."
"Off with you, young man," the doctor said. "I intend to test your progress in Latin tomorrow, and I promise you you will need your wits about you."
"But… Oh, very well."
The doctor beamed approval. Maria
He went off quietly, however, with Victor trailing after him. Then Gruffstone turned to the Duchess.
"Honoria, have you been up to your tricks? I told you -"
"You told me and I chose to dismiss what you said. What – am I some dependent of yours, that I must obey your every whim? Are you Socrates or Solon, always right? Either you participate or you remove yourself, Horace. There are no other possibilities."
"I do participate then," said the doctor heavily. "With profound misgivings. I warned you, Honoria."
"So you did. We will adjourn to the other room now. A
"Yes, I think so," Lady A
"Certainly," the doctor said with a sigh. "The more, the merrier."
The White Room had been prepared. A fire blazed on the hearth and the draperies had been drawn. A screen shielded the firelight.
Maria
She was the calmest of them all, and for once Maria
"What is going to happen?" she inquired. "Will David come at last, do you suppose?"
"Perhaps," the Duchess replied.
"Well, if the girl is his daughter -"
"Please, A
Scarcely had this last request been made when there was a sharp rap, seemingly from under the table. The Duchess's fingers clamped down on Maria
"They are strong tonight," she murmured.
"They are," Carlton agreed. "Your Grace, may I suggest that we take the usual precautions to make sure no one is tapping with his, or her, foot? Unconsciously, of course."
The Duchess nodded impatiently and moved so that the sole of her slipper rested lightly on Maria
Two more raps echoed. The table lifted and dropped down.
"We will communicate in the usual way," the Duchess said. She began to recite the alphabet, intoning each letter slowly and solemnly, like a litany. When she reached the letter G, another rap sounded. By this means the phrase "Good evening" was spelled out. A snort from the doctor's end of the table greeted this courteous remark.
"Be quiet," the Duchess snapped. "Will the spirit who is present indicate its name?"
This time the alphabetic method produced the letters "puden," and the Duchess exclaimed, "Pudenzia! Is it you?" A vehement rap confirmed this.