CHAPTER X
T
THE story finished, all the children bounded along the passage, laughing and leaping as they ran. They found the drawing-room lit, and a company assembled. It took Clare’s breath away, and at first she felt excited. Then she espied Mrs. Inchbald at the end of the long room, and ran towards her.
Mrs. Inchbald saw her approaching, and “La, child, what are you doing?” she said, “remember your minuet. That is not the way to move in a drawing-room, my dear.”
But Clare didn’t know a minuet. She lives, it is to be deplored, in the day of barn-dances, kitchen lancers, and general slouchback deportment. When little boys walk with their hands in their pockets (a most ungentlemanly attitude), and little girls stand with their heads set on their shoulders as if they were Odol bottles, poor things, and made that way.
“How well Mrs. Jordan stands,” said Mrs. Inchbald; “look at her, my dear, and learn to throw the small of your back in and to poise your head.”
Clare was getting good at keeping silence when censured, so she stood still while Mrs. Inchbald spoke. She was, moreover, immensely interested in watching the animated groups around her; she saw Bim as pre-occupied as possible, admiring Lewis, the actor’s, coat. Christopher was looking at a large russet-coloured leather book spread open before him, which Clare recognised as the portfolio belonging to the Misses Frankland; and as she looked round the room, in they came, those two pretty creatures, Amelia and Marianne. They sat down, with Christopher between them, and showed him their book. “Then they also live here? That accounts,” thought Clare, “for that dog I heard barking and whining just before I woke up this morning.”
But now the room was filling so quickly her eyes kept falling on new old friends. One group in particular attracted her attention; it was so very lively and vivid in effect. Yes, it was Barry, and Quin, and Miss Fenton—Miss Lavinia Fenton of the expressive hands. And towards this groupLewis, the actor, was striding, and Mrs. Jordan was among them too.
Gainsborough.LEWIS, THE ACTOR.
Gainsborough.LEWIS, THE ACTOR.
LEWIS, THE ACTOR.
Clare was glad to see Kitty Fischer. You would hardly guess how pretty that grey dress of hers looked among all the brighter colours there.
Lady Crosbie was talking to Sir Joshua Reynolds, and Robert Mayne gave his arm to Miss Ridge. She looked prettier than ever, chief of the roguish school, and Robert Mayne looked amused and comfortable. Her face twinkled when she spoke.
Miss Woffington’s manner was decidedly crisp. Something had gone wrong, or perhaps her bodice was too tight? It certainly appeared excruciating. However that may have been she made remarks with edges to them, and when she had spoken, her lips went together as if they closed on a little slice of lemon just inside.
Miss Hippesley dropped her blue scarf, and Clare had an opportunity of showing her good manners, returning it to her before any one had seen it fall. For a long minute the quiet, clinched eyes rested on hers, and Clare noticed the pretty hands, as in the picture.
“Where did you get your honeysuckle?” she asked; “I’ve never seen it sold in London.”
“I got it from the old house in Kensington,”said Miss Hippesley. “Come along, child, with me. I dislike these crowded evenings, when every one comes. I should not have accepted had I known it was going to be so—mixed.”
“O, but,” said Clare, who had heard many fragments of conversation, “Mrs. Inchbald says that every one comes when they know Doctor Johnson may be coming, no matter where the house, or what the company.”
“Doctor Johnson?” repeated Miss Hippesley. “Ah, that is another matter; I did not know he was expected here to-night. Who brings him, child?”
“Mr. Robert Mayne knows him well, I heard Mrs. Inchbald saying, and every one seems so glad and happy. Do you really want to go away?”
Miss Hippesley smiled: “I shall not stay very long, I dare say, but, as I am here, I shall do my best to be agreeable.”
Clare was afraid she had been forward, but she soon was reassured, for Miss Hippesley smiled on her, as she rose. Seeking out Lady Crosbie, the two withdrew, to a seat somewhat removed, from the company.