What with the Guru, presumably meditating upstairs
still, and with Olga Bracely most conspicuously absent, she had hardly
nervous energy left to wonder what could have become of Georgie. Never
in all the years of his ministry had he failed to be at her elbow through
the entire duration of her garden-parties, flying about on her errands
like a tripping Hermes, herding her flocks if she wanted them in one
part of the garden rather than another, like a sagacious sheep-dog,
and coming back to heel again ready for further tasks. But today
Georgie was mysteriously away, for he had neither applied for leave nor
given any explanation, however improbable, of his absence. He at least
would have prevented Lady Ambermere, the only cornerstone of the party,
from going away in what must be called a huff, and have continued to
tell Lucia how marvellous she was, and what a beautiful party they were
having. With the prospect of two other much more magnificent
cornerstones, Lucia had not provided any further entertainment for her
guests: there was not the conjurer from Brinton, nor the three young
ladies who played banjo-trios, nor even the mild performing doves which
cooed so prettily, and walked up their mistress's outstretched fingers
according to order, if they felt disposed. There was nothing to justify
Hightums, there was scarcely even sufficient to warrant Tightums.
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