I remembered, too, a certain air of
seriousness, and a disposition towards confidential talk, manifested
among the older members of the party. Mrs. Van Reinberg's suppressed but
earnest voice again broke the silence. She called me back to her side.
"Mr. Courage," she said, "you are going to marry Adele?"
"I hope so," I answered confidently, glancing away to where she stood
talking to Mr. de Valentin on the piazza steps.
"I shall treat you then," she declared, "as one of the family. To-night,
after dinner, we are going to hold the meeting for which this houseful
of people was really brought together. I invite you to come to it.
Afterwards you will understand everything! Now I must hurry off, and so
must you! Your horse is getting the fidgets."
She swept off down the piazza. Mr. de Valentin came forward eagerly to
meet her. I saw his face darken as she whispered in his ear.
CHAPTER XXV
A CABLE FROM EUROPE
Dinner that night was a somewhat oppressive meal. Several new guests had
arrived, some of whom bore names which were well known to me.
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