"I see. Drake told me that I should find you harder to move than you
look. And I am not sure that you are not right," she said. "When you
come to stay at the Hall it will be as mistress." Nell's face crimsoned
again. "But, my dear girl, we can't pass over the great event as if it
were of no consequence. Drake's engagement, under any circumstances,
would be of the deepest interest to all of us, to the whole country; but
his engagement to you will create a profound sensation, and we must
demonstrate our satisfaction in some way. I'm afraid you will have to
face a big dinner party."
Nell looked rather frightened.
"Oh!" she breathed. "Is--is it necessary? Can't we just go on as if--as
if nothing had happened?"
The countess laughed.
"That's exactly what Drake said when I spoke to him about it last night.
It is nice to find you so completely of one mind. But I'm afraid it
wouldn't do. You see, my dear, the people will want to see you, to be
introduced to you; and if we pursue the usual course there will be much
less talk and curiosity than if we let things slide. Yes, you will have
to run the gauntlet; but I don't think you need be apprehensive of the
result," and she looked at her with affectionate approval.
"Very well," said Nell resignedly. "You know what is best, and I will do
anything you and Drake wish."
"What a dutiful child!" exclaimed the countess, banteringly. "And though
you won't come and stay at the Hall, you will come up and see us very
often, to lunch and tea and----"
"When Mr. Falconer can spare me," said Nell quietly.
"Yes. And about him, dear. We talked of him last night, and his future.
That will be Drake's special care. He, too, owes him a big debt, and he
feels it. Mr. Falconer is a genius, and the world must be made to know
it before very long. And your brother, dear; you will let him come up to
the Hall?"
Nell laughed softly.
"You are thinking of everything," she said. "Even of Dick. Oh, yes,
he'll come. Dick isn't a bit shy; but he thinks more of his electric
machines than anything else on earth just at present."
"I know," said the countess, laughing. "But we must try and lure him
from them now and again. I am sure we shall all like him, for he is
wonderfully like you. Now, about the dinner, dear. Shall we say this day
week?"