Mrs. Tallents Smallpeace's dark little eyes twinkled.
"I hear that Mr. Stone--that is your father's name, I think--is writing
a book which will create quite a sensation when it comes out."
Cecilia bit her lips. "I hope it never will come out," she was on the
point of saying.
"What will it be called?" asked Mrs. Tallents Smallpeace. "I gather that
it's a book of Universal Brotherhood. That's so nice!"
Cecilia made a movement of annoyance. "Who told you?"
"Ah!" said Mrs. Tallents Smallpeace, "I do think your sister gets
such attractive people at her At Homes. They all take such interest in
things."
A little surprised at herself, Cecilia answered "Too much for me!"
Mrs. Tallents Smallpeace smiled. "I mean in art and social questions.
Surely one can't be too interested in them?"
Cecilia said rather hastily:
"Oh no, of course not." And both ladies looked around them. A buzz of
conversation fell on Cecilia's ears.
"Have you seen the 'Aftermath'? It's really quite wonderful!"
"Poor old chap! he's so rococo...."
"There's a new man.
"She's very sympathetic.
"But the condition of the poor....
"Is that Mr. Balladyce? Oh, really.
"It gives you such a feeling of life.
"Bourgeois!..."
The voice of Mrs. Tallents Smallpeace broke through: "But do please tell
me who is that young girl with the young man looking at the picture over
there.
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