What a handsome room! May I sit down--you're sure I shan't disturb you, be a nuisance ?" "Oh, no," replied Celia, pushing forward one of the antique but comfortable chairs.
Lady Heyton seated herself, looked round her, and then fixed her eyes on Celia's face, curiously.
"And so you are the lady librarian; and this is where you work?
How charming! Why didn't you come in to dinner to-night ?" she asked, abruptly.
"I dine alone, in that room," replied Celia, colouring slightly.
"How quaint!" remarked Lady Heyton, with a little shrug.

"I shall ask the Marquess whether you can't dine with us; you will be company for me.
It was rather dull this evening, and I was terribly bored.

It's the first time I've been here, you know; the first time I've seen the Marquess, in fact.

Don't you find this great big place rather--rather depressing ?" She gave a little shudder, and held out her ring-laden hands towards the fire.

"I suppose it's because the house is so old, and there are so few people in it .-- But tell me about yourself.