She felt the tense hush, the thrill of excitement.

She heard the low sobbing of the violins, she saw the stage-setting, she heard the low notes of music creeping and growing till every pulse in her body thrilled with her one great enthusiasm.

When she turned back to the table, her eyes were bright and there was a little flush upon her cheeks.
"You're not sorry, mother ?" she exclaimed.
"Not really, dear," Lady Ashleigh answered resignedly.
2.
Lord Ashleigh, who in many respects was a typical Englishman of his class, had a constitutional affection for small ceremonies, an affection nurtured by his position as Chairman of the County Magistrates and President of the local Unionist Association.

After dinner that evening, a meal which was served in the smaller library, he cleared his throat and filled his glass with wine.

His manner, as he addressed his wife and daughter, was almost official.
"I am to take it, I believe," he began, "that you have finally decided, Ella, to embrace our friend Delarey's suggestion and to leave us on Saturday for New York ?" "If you please," Ella murmured, with glowing eyes.