But Blatz was too indisposed to attend the meeting of the factory people the following evening; and as there was no one to tell the truth concerning Herbert Karne and his sister, Strelitzki ruled with unopposed sway. CHAPTER XI THE STANNARD BALL, AND AFTER--AN EVENTFUL NIGHT “It’s going to be an awfully nice affair,” said Gladys Milnes, as she admiringly surveyed the evening gown which Celia laid on the bed for her inspection. “Blue Hungarian band, and the catering done in Manchester. I met Reggie Stannard on my way here, and he told me all about it.” They were discussing the Stannard ball, given to celebrate the coming of age of the squire’s younger son, which was to take place the following Thursday. It had been the chief topic of conversation in Durlston for the past fortnight, for in that quiet town such a gay function as a ball was of rare occurrence. Over one hundred and fifty invitations had been issued, and anybody who did not receive one was considered quite without the pale of social eligibility; in fact, there was hardly any one who would have owned to such a slight. “What are you going to wear?” asked Celia, with interest. “Your white dress, I suppose?” “Yes, the same old thing, of course; it trots out with never-failing regularity. I have coaxed father every day for a month to let me have a new dress; but he doesn’t see the necessity of incurring such an expense just for the Stannards’ ball. He wouldn’t let me wear a low bodice like yours and Miss Wilton’s either. If I were to appear before him attired in my nightdress with a pale blue ribbon sash, he would say I looked lovely, and would never know what it really was. What is a girl to do with a dad like that?” “Never mind,” returned Celia, cheerfully. “You look very nice in white. Is your father going with you?” “Oh no, he wouldn’t go to a dance; it’s too frivolous for him, you know. Mrs. Lester has promised to take me under her wing; but she is sure to want to go home about twelve o’clock--just when the fun begins. That’s where I miss Geoffrey so much. He used to make such a delightful cavalier.” At the mention of Geoffrey’s name Celia looked up with interest. “Have you heard from him lately?” she asked. “Yes. We had a letter this morning. Dick Stannard has joined him in Sydney, and they both expect to be home for Christmas. That will be nice, won’t it? Geoff writes a good deal about a Miss Thornton and her mother, who will be coming to England the same time as themselves. Do you know, I shouldn’t be surprised if he were engaged to her, although he doesn’t actually say so. I should like to see Geoff married to a nice girl, wouldn’t you, Cely?” “Ye--es,” answered Celia, mechanically, the colour suddenly leaving her cheeks.