"Rather!" said Lord Charlemont, nodding approval--"I'd like to get you for a partner!"
"I AM considered lucky,"--smiled Mrs. Courtenay, with an air of virtuous pride--"I always win SOMETHING!"
"Well, let's begin at once,--we'll play all the afternoon." said Lady Beaulyon.
"Where are the tables?" "AND the cards?"
"Ask Maryllia---"
But at that moment Maryllia stepped gently into their midst, her eyes shining, her face very pale.
"Not on Sunday, please!" she said.
A stillness fell upon them all. They gazed upon each other in sheer stupefaction. Lady Beaulyon smiled disdainfully.
"Not on Sunday? What are you talking about, Maryllia? Not WHAT on Sunday?"
"Not Bridge,"--replied Maryllia, in her clear soft voice--"I do not allow it."
Fresh glances of wonderment were exchanged. The men hummed and hawed and turned themselves about on their heels--the women simply stared. Lady Beaulyon burst out laughing.
"Ridiculous!" she exclaimed,--then flushed, and bit her lip, knowing that such an ejaculation was scarcely civil to her hostess. But Maryllia took no offence.
"Pray do not think me discourteous,"--she said, very sweetly. "I would not interfere with your pleasure in any way if I could possibly help it. But in this instance I really must do so."
"Oh certainly, Miss Vancourt!" "We would not think of playing if you do not wish it!" These, and similar expressions came from Lord Charlemont, and one or two others.
"My dear Maryllia," said Mrs. Courtenay, reproachfully--"You are really VERY odd! I have myself seen you playing Bridge, Sunday after Sunday at your aunt's house in London. Why should you now suddenly object to your friends doing what you have so often done yourself?"
Maryllia flushed a pretty rose-red.
"In my aunt's house I had to do as my aunt wished, Mrs. Courtenay," she said--"In my own house I do as I wish!"
Here her face relaxed into a bright smile, as she raised her candid blue eyes to the men standing about her--"I'm sure you won't mind amusing yourselves with something else than cards, just for one day, will you? Come into the garden,--it's such a perfect afternoon! The rose-walk just opposite leads down to the bank of the river,--would some of you like to go on the water? There are two boats ready there if you would. And do forgive me for stopping your intended game!-- you can play Bridge every day in the week if you like, but spare the Sunday!"