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Nell of Shorne Mills

Page 174

"I see; and my name is Lorton, Eleanor Lorton, commonly called Nell

Lorton--because I have a brother. And the story?"

Sir Charles laughed.

"Oh, it's too old; but, old as it is, I had forgotten to take its moral

to heart. A man was leaning against the wall, yawning, at an evening

party. He was fearfully bored, for he knew scarcely any one there, and

had been brought at the last moment by a friend. As he was making up his

mind to cut it, another man came and leaned against the wall beside him

and yawned, also. Said the first: 'Awful slow, isn't it?' 'Yes,' replied

Number Two, 'frightful crush and beastly hot.' 'Dreadful. I could stand

it a little longer if that woman at the piano would leave off squalling.

Come round to my club, and let us get a drink and a smoke.' 'Nothing

would give me more pleasure! Wish I could!' replied Number Two. 'But you

see, unfortunately for me, this is my house, and the lady at the piano

is my wife.'"

Nell laughed.

"It is a good story," she said. "The first man must have felt very

foolish."

"Yes," assented Sir Charles; "I know exactly how he felt. I hope you

forgive me, Miss Lorton? Can I make amends in any way for my stupidity?"

"You might tell me who some of the people are," said Nell. "I only know

them by name--and scarcely as much as that. I have not been here very

long, and this is my first dinner party."

"How I envy you!" he said, with a sigh. "Dear me! I seem fated to put my

foot into it to-night! But you know what I mean, or you would if you

dined out as often as I--and Mr. Gresham do. Whom would you like me to

tell you about? I think I know everybody here. One moment! Mr. Gresham

is going to tell the story of his losing himself in London; it was in

one of the new streets, for the making of which he had been a strong

advocate."

They waited until the story was told, and the prime minister had enjoyed

the laughter, and then Nell said: "That little lady with the diamond tiara and the three big rubies on her

neck is Lady Angleford--I know her name because I was introduced to her

before dinner. I like the look of her so much; and she has so pleasant a

voice and smile. Please tell me something about her."

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