It was the first time she had received a direct communication from Bellomont since the close of her last visit there, and she was still visited by the dread of having incurred Judy's displeasure.

But this characteristic command seemed to reestablish their former relations; and Lily smiled at the thought that her friend had probably summoned her in order to hear about the Brys' entertainment.

Mrs.Trenor had absented herself from the feast, perhaps for the reason so frankly enunciated by her husband, perhaps because, as Mrs.Fisher somewhat differently put it, she "couldn't bear new people when she hadn't discovered them herself." At any rate, though she remained haughtily at Bellomont, Lily suspected in her a devouring eagerness to hear of what she had missed, and to learn exactly in what measure Mrs.Wellington Bry had surpassed all previous competitors for social recognition.

Lily was quite ready to gratify this curiosity, but it happened that she was dining out.

She determined, however, to see Mrs.
Trenor for a few moments, and ringing for her maid she despatched a telegram to say that she would be with her friend that evening at ten.
She was dining with Mrs.Fisher, who had gathered at an informal feast a few of the performers of the previous evening.