She was bound on an
expedition to Chiswick: Lord Hartledon had declined it. He met her
hastening out as he entered, and she was looking very cross.
"How late you are going, Maude!"
"Yes, there has been a mistake," she said peevishly, turning in with him
to a small room they used as a breakfast-room. "I have been waiting all
this time for Lady Langton, and she, I find, has been waiting for me. I'm
now going round to take her up. Oh, I have secured that opera-box, Val,
but at an extravagant price, considering the little time that remains of
the season."
"What opera-box?"
"Didn't I tell you? It's one I heard of yesterday. I was not going again
to put up with the wretched little box they palmed you off with. I did
tell you that."
"It was the only one I could get, Maude: there was no other choice."
"Yes, I know. Well, I have secured another for the rest of the season,
and you must not talk about extravagance, please."
"Very well," said Val, with a smile. "For what hour have you ordered
dinner?"
"Nine o'clock."
"Nine o'clock! That's awkward--and late."
"Why awkward? You may have to wait for me even then. It is impossible to
say when we shall get home from Chiswick. All the world will be there."
"I have just asked Carr to dine with us, and told him to come at six. I
don't fancy these hard-working men care to wait so long for their dinner.
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