"The most perfect woman in person, soul and spirit that ever was created!"
"Who is 'the most perfect woman in person, soul and spirit that ever was created'?" inquired a voice behind them.
Mr. Force turned and saw Col. Anglesea approaching them.
Both the gentlemen, who were seated, immediately arose.
Mr. Force presented his young relative to his guest.
The midshipman and the colonel bowed coldly and stiffly, while they eyed each other with ill-repressed antagonism.
"Who is 'the most perfect woman in person, soul and spirit that ever was created'?" again queried Col. Anglesea, as the party seated themselves around the fire.
Angus Anglesea threw back his head and laughed aloud--then recovering himself, said--to one who, unseen, had just joined the group: "I beg your pardon, Mrs. Force! I really could not help laughing, to hear your good husband praise you so--unconsciously--before your face! You know."
"I did not know that Elfrida was there," said Mr. Force, half offended at--he knew not what!--something that he vaguely perceived, but could not specify.
Mrs. Force had turned deadly pale, and her lips were compressed and her blue eyes glittering as she took her seat.
It was fortunate, at that moment, that Miss Meeke and the two younger girls entered the parlor, simultaneously with the ringing of the dinner bell.
Mrs. Force arose and took the arm of the young midshipman and led the way to the dining room, followed by the party.
"I hope Miss Force is not indisposed," said Col. Anglesea, missing Odalite from her place at the table.
"She does not feel very well, but may perhaps join us in the drawing room," said Mrs. Force, as they all took their seats around the board.
Mr. Force sought to enliven the meal with gay conversation, but signally failed.
Col. Anglesea affected to treat the young midshipman with great condescension, but equally failed; for Le ignored and disregarded him to the verge of actual rudeness--either not hearing his remarks or else answering them in monosyllables and giving all his attention to his little cousins, Wynnette and Elva, who were seated, by their own choice, the one on his right and the other on his left.
Mrs. Force did not attempt to converse, and Miss Meeke, chilled by the social coldness around her, kept silence.