But when we came next to the order in which the dishes were to be served--" Miss Notman paused in the middle of the sentence, and shuddered over the private and poignant recollections which the order of the dishes called up.
By this time Father Benwell had discovered his mistake.

He took a mean advantage of Miss Notman's susceptibilities to slip his own private inquiries into the interval of silence.
"Pardon my ignorance," he said; "my own poor dinner is a matter of ten minutes and one dish.

I don't understand a difference of opinion on a dinner for three people only; Lord and Lady Loring, two; Mr.Romayne, three--oh! perhaps I am mistaken?
Perhaps Miss Eyrecourt makes a fourth ?" "Certainly, Father!" "A very charming person, Miss Notman.

I only speak as a stranger.

You, no doubt, are much better acquainted with Miss Eyrecourt ?" "Much better, indeed--if I may presume to say so," Miss Notman replied.
"She is my lady's intimate friend; we have often talked of Miss Eyrecourt during the many years of my residence in this house.