Bess at once
presented them to her mother and uncle, the latter in turn mentioning
the names of the Indian official, Sir Wilbur Lawton, his wife and the
traveler, whose famous cognomen may not be written here. Then he
glanced half inquiringly at the two ladies, who were evidently
strangers to him, when she of the white hair said gracefully,
"And let me present to all, my friend, Lady Moreham."
Then, as her companion did not return the favor, she added, "And I am
Mrs. Poinsett."
The younger people were too well trained to monopolize conversation,
but listened with pleasure to the talk between the gentlemen concerning
hunting of "big game" in India, with which both the traveler and Sir
Wilbur seemed well acquainted, Mr. Lawrence asking intelligent
questions, and the Russian whose name was almost unpronounceable,
putting in a broken sentence, or two, now and then. The ladies mostly
listened, also, but occasionally the two who were companions conversed
in low tones. Lady Lawton, who was extremely fleshy, devoted herself
exclusively to her luncheon.
The twins, meanwhile, made their observations with the promptitude of
youth. They liked Mrs. Vanderhoff, whose manner was quiet and
sensible, in accord with her dress and appearance, and they also
fancied Mrs. Poinsett, but the one called Lady Moreham they decided was
disagreeable, and too proud of her rank to be sociable. They were glad
she sat at the further end of the table, and Hope remarked, as she bent
forward for the pepper-box.
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