Being without wraps, the little
party made an immediate entrance. Sir Timothy, who was talking
to one of the best-known of the foreign ambassadors, took a step
forward to meet them.
"Welcome," he said, "you, the most unique party, at least,
amongst my guests. Prince, may I present you to my daughter,
Mrs. Hilditch? Lady Cynthia Milton and Mr. Ledsam you know, I
believe."
"Your father has just been preparing me for this pleasure," the
Prince remarked, with a smile. "I am delighted that his views as
regards these wonderful parties are becoming a little more--would
it be correct to say latitudinarian? He has certainly been very
strict up to now."
"It is the first time I have been vouchsafed an invitation,"
Margaret confessed.
"You will find much to interest you," the Prince observed. "For
myself, I love the sport of which your father is so noble a
patron. That, without doubt, though, is a side of his
entertainment of which you will know nothing."
Sir Timothy, choosing a moment's respite from the inflowing
stream of guests, came once more across to them.
"I am going to leave you, my honoured guests from The Sanctuary,"
he said, with a faint smile, "to yourselves for a short time. In
the room to your left, supper is being served. In front is the
dancing-gallery.
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