Edith made rather a hobby of decoration, and she had a cultured and
quiet taste, and much knowledge on the subject. She guessed Madame
Frabelle thought her rooms too plain, too colourless. Instead of the
dull greys and blues, and surfaces without design, she felt sure her
friend would have preferred gorgeous patterns, and even a good deal of
gilt. Probably at heart Madame Frabelle's ideal was the crimson plush
and stamped leather and fancy ceilings of the lounge in a foreign hotel.
'I rather like my room, you know,' said Edith.
'And so do I. It's very charming. But a change, dear--a change of
_entourage_, as we say abroad, would do you good.'
'Well, we must really think that out,' said Edith.
'That's right. And you're not cross?'
'Cross? I don't know when I've enjoyed a conversation so much,' said
Edith, speaking with perfect truth.
CHAPTER V
The Ottleys and Madame Frabelle were in the drawing-room awaiting their
guests. (I say advisedly their guests, for no-one could help regarding
Madame Frabelle as essentially the hostess, and queen of the evening.)
One would fancy that instead of entertaining more or less for the last
twelve years the young couple had never given a dinner before; so much
suppressed excitement was in the air.
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