the Jeffreys and I gathered in one group and the Atterby-Smiths in
another like a force about to attack, while between the two, brooding
and indeterminate, stood the curate, a neutral observer.

Presently Lady Ragnall arrived, apologizing for being late. For some
reason best known to herself she had chosen to dress as though for a
great party. I believe it was out of mischief and in order to show
Mrs. Atterby-Smith some of the diamonds she was firmly determined that
family should never inherit. At any rate there she stood glittering
and lovely, and smiled upon us.

Then came dinner and once more I marched to the great hall in her
company; Dr. Jeffreys got Mrs. Smith; Papa Smith got Mrs. Jeffreys who
looked like a Grecian maiden walking into dinner with the Minotaur;
Scroope got one of the Miss Smiths, she who wore a pink bow, the
gloomy curate got the other with a blue bow, and Archibald got Mrs.
Scroope who departed making faces at us over his shoulder.

"You look very grand and nice," I said to Lady Ragnall as we followed
the others at a discreet distance.

"I am glad," she answered, "as to the nice, I mean. As for the grand,
that dreadful woman is always writing to me about the Ragnall
diamonds, so I thought that she should see some of them for the first
and last time. Do you know I haven't worn these things since George
and I went to Court together, and I daresay shall never wear them
again, for there is only one ornament I care for and I have got /that/
on under my dress."

I stared and her and with a laugh said that she was very mischievous.