_Tableau!_ She almost fainted with astonishment and fury, and when she could get her voice decent enough to speak, she laughed and said-- "What a charming savage! How ingenuous!" [Sidenote: _Lord Valmond in Disgrace_] And then Lady Cecilia did a really nice thing, which shows that she is a brick, in spite of having bulgy eyes, and being absent and tiresome. She came up to me as if nothing had happened, and said, "Come, Elizabeth, they are waiting for you to begin a round game," and she put her arm through mine and drew me into the billiard-room, and on the way she squeezed my arm, and said, in a voice quite low down for her, "She deserved it," and I was so touched I nearly cried. From where I sat at the card-table I could see Mrs. Smith and Lord Valmond, and they were quarrelling. She looked like green rhubarb juice, and he had the expression of "Damn!" all over him. Of course I did not say good-night to him, and I hope I shall never see him again.--Your affectionate daughter, Elizabeth. 300 EATON PLACE 300 Eaton Place, _Tuesday, 2nd August_. [Sidenote: _London out of Season_] Dearest Mamma,--The train from Nazeby was so late and Aunt Mary seemed to think it was my fault--so unreasonable of her, just because they had waited lunch for me. I don't believe I like visiting very near relations as much as ones further off. They feel they can say anything to you. I am glad I have only got to sleep here the one night. I had not eaten my omelette before Aunt Mary began about my hair. She said of course it was very nice curling like that, but it was a pity I did not wear a net over it all to keep it more tidy. She was sure you spoilt me, even though we are rich, letting me have such smart clothes. She had heard from Nazeby, that I had had on a fresh frock every day. I don't know who could have written to her. She has got to look much older in the two years we have been abroad and the corners of her mouth shut with a snap. Perhaps it is having to spend part of the year with her mother-in-law. [Sidenote: _Cousinly Curiosity_]