Captain Hibbert's arm, and followed the dinner-party. About the marble
statues and stuffed birds on the staircase flowed a murmur of
amiability, and, during a pause, skirts were settled amid the chairs,
which the powdered footmen drew back ceremoniously to make way for the
guests to pass.

A copy of Murillo's _Madonna presenting the Divine Child to St. Joseph_
hung over the fireplace; between the windows another Madonna stood on a
half-moon, and when Lord Dungory said, 'For what we are going to
receive, the Lord make us truly thankful,' these pictures helped the
company to realize a suitable, although momentary emotion.

Turtle soup was handed round. The soft steaming fragrance mixed with the
fresh perfume of the roses that bloomed in a silver vase beneath the
light of the red-shaded wax candles. A tree covered with azaleas spread
notes of delicate colour over the gold screen that hid the door by which
the servants came and went.

'Oh, Lady Sarah,' exclaimed Mrs. Gould, 'I do not know how you have such
beautiful flowers--and in this wretched climate!'

'Yes, it is very trying; but then we have a great deal of glass.'

'Which do you prefer, roses or azaleas?' asked Mrs. Barton.

'_Les roses sont les fleurs en corsage, mais les azalées sont les fleurs
en peignoir_.'

Lady Sarah and Lady Jane, who had both overheard the remark, levelled
indignant glances at their father, scornful looks at Mrs. Barton, and,