Chapter 16

"Your papa, my good uncle, is somewhat of a stickler for etiquette, consequently I could not rise before the seniors; and then this is the festive season of the year. But hush; Lady Louisa is about to sing, I think." "A duet, too." "With whom?" "Mr. Berkeley. They are always practising duets." "Always?" "Yes; she dotes on music." "Ah, and he pretends to do so, too." Spreading her ample flounces over the carved walnut-wood piano stool, Lady Louisa ran her white fingers rapidly and with some brilliancy of execution…