"Why, of course. Rushbrook consults him about all these things; gives
him carte blanche to invite whom he likes and order what he likes, and
trusts his taste and judgment implicitly."

"Then this gathering is Mr. Somers's selection?"

"How preposterous you are, Grace. Of course not. Only Somers's IDEA of
what is pleasing to Rushbrook, gotten up with a taste and discretion
all his own. You know Somers is a gentleman, educated at West
Point--traveled all over Europe--you might have met him there; and
Rushbrook--well, you have only to see him to know what HE is. Don't you
understand?"

A slight seriousness; the same shadow that once before darkened the
girl's charming face gave way to a mischievous knitting of her brows as
she said naively, "No."


CHAPTER III


Grace Nevil had quite recovered her equanimity when the indispensable
Mr. Somers, handsome, well-bred, and self-restrained, approached her
later in the crowded drawing-room. Blended with his subdued personal
admiration was a certain ostentation of respect--as of a tribute to
a distinguished guest--that struck her. "I am to have the pleasure of
taking you in, Miss Nevil," he said. "It's my one compensation for the
dreadful responsibility just thrust upon me. Our host has been suddenly
called away, and I am left to take his place."