After dinner, Joseline was formally presented to various important dowagers in the drawing-room, who found the girl pretty, well turned out, but oh! so stupid! She scarcely opened her lips.
Then the men came crowding in, conversation became general, bridge-tables were set out, and Joseline found her tongue.
“Do you play bridge?” inquired Captain Deverell, sinking into a seat beside Joseline, whilst another man hovered near.
“No, I never heard tell of it till to-day,” she answered; “and is it with a ball, or what?”
“No; with cards.” Then, speaking as to a child, “You know cards--playing cards?”
“Yes, and like them finely too. I’ve never heard of the game you mean, but I know ‘spoil fire’ and ‘beating Jack out of town.’”
“That must be a most exciting game,” drawled her cousin. “How many beat him? Not more than one at a time, I hope?”
“Are you fond of motoring?” inquired a man who did not see why Deverell should engross the beauty.
“Well, I’ll tell ye after I’ve been on one. I once got a lift on a traction-engine--me and a girl--I mean, a girl and myself--and I suppose it’s the same sort of thing?”
“Yes; but the noise, and the joggling, and the frightening of horses and cattle, is all one.”
“I daresay you are right there,” he assented.
“What part of Ireland have you lived in?” inquired a smartly dressed lady, who was seated near Joseline.
“Oh, yes; a great place for fishing, is it not?”
“I would not say that; but it’s where people come _looking_ for fishing.”
“And don’t get it. I see! By the way, does not Mrs. Borrodaile live in that part of the world?”
Joseline nodded. “I seen her in the chapel.”
“Well, some makes out she is handsome; but I’d call her a very streelish lady.”
“Streelish!” she repeated. “You mean stylish?”
“No, no, I do not. She has a great streel on her--long, sweeping things--and looks as if she was falling out of her clothes.”
“Really?” she laughed. “I must inquire into this. I’ve not seen her for ages; she is my cousin.”
“Is she so?” rejoined Joseline imperturbably. “I believe she is very good to the poor. Her kitchen-maid was a friend of mine and thought a power of her. Still and all, she _has_ a rakish look!”
This newly discovered heiress was a unique creature, with her distinguished face and her extraordinary talk. She was splendid fun; people began to hover near her. Her father watched her with nervous apprehensions. It was too bad of her ladyship to bring the child forward before she had a little experience of society! But her ladyship had her own views; she wished to make her husband uncomfortable and ashamed of his low-bred daughter. He now joined the circle, and with unexpected animation, urged people to seat themselves at bridge.