The Glittering Lights (Bantam Series No. 12) Read Online Free Page B

have a Chaperon on the premises, and it suited her Aunt, who had been left in somewhat impecunious circumstances, to live rent free.
    “Aunt Eleanor never goes away!” Cassandra said. “So I was certain I would find her there.”
    “You will take Hannah?”
    “Of course,” Cassandra replied. “I know you would not like me to travel without her.”
    “Then the sooner you go to London and come back, the better,” Sir James said, “and by the way, while you are there, have a photograph taken. We shall need it for the newspapers when your engagement is announced.”
    “Oh, Papa, you know I hate being photographed.”
    “I cannot abide the last one that was taken by that man in York,” Sir James said. “I want an attractive likeness to console me when you have left home.”
    “Yes, of course, I had not thought of that. It would be awkward if you forgot what I looked like.”
    He smiled at her fondly.
    “You know I could never do that. At the same time I want a very good one. Go to Downey’s of Bond Street, who photographed Lily Langtry. I liked the last one I saw of her.”
    Cassandra was still for a moment and then she said:
    “There is something I want to ask you, Papa. I would like to meet Mrs. Langtry.”
    “You would?” Sir James exclaimed in surprise.
    “I have heard so much about her,” Cassandra replied, “of her beauty, and the sensation she caused when she went on the stage. I was reading how when she returned from America last year, she was cheered as she stepped from the ship. There were crowds of people waiting on the quay to see her.”
    “I read that too,” Sir James said.
    “It shows what a place she holds in public affection,” Cassandra went on. “Write me a letter of introduction, Papa, and I will go and see her new play.”
    “It is called ‘Enemies’ and it is on at The Prince’s Theatre.”
    “Have you seen it yet?”
    He shook his head.
    “No. I saw the play she was in before. She was good—a little stiff —but she looked entrancingly lovely.”
    “Did you take her out to supper, Papa?”
    “As a matter of fact, no, I did not,” Sir James answered, “and, as you are so curious, I have not seen her since she returned to England from America last year.”
    “Then she will be looking forward to hearing from you again,” Cassandra said. “Give me just a few words of introduction.”
    “I do not know her address. You will have to get the coachman to leave it at the theatre. At the same time, I am not really certain your mother would like you to meet an actress, even if it is Mrs. Langtry.”
    “We can solve that problem by not telling Mama. I expect she knows that at one time you were fascinated by the most beautiful woman in England, but she may now have forgotten all about it.”
    “Then we will not tell her,” Sir James smiled, “and I would rather like you to meet Lily. You are as lovely in your way, Cassandra, as she is in hers.”
    He sighed.
    “Let me think, she must be twenty-nine, and when I knew her first she was only twenty-two, and the most beautiful creature I ever encountered.”
    “You understand, Papa, why I want to meet her? I will just talk to her and see how she captivated the Prince of Wales and Prince Louis of Battenburg, and why the Prime Minister Mr. Gladstone is her friend.”
    “I cannot think who has been talking to you about such matters,” Sir James said, but there was no reproof in his voice.
    “If there is any scandal I have not yet heard,” Cassandra said with a smile, “Aunt Eleanor will be full of it as soon as I arrive in Park Lane.”
    “You can be quite sure of that,” Sir James agreed.
    “Then you had best write me a letter now,” Cassandra insisted. “If I am going to London, I will catch the nine a.m. train from York, so it will mean my leaving early.
    “Will you order the carriage for me, Papa, and as soon as I go upstairs I will tell Hannah to start packing. She will be furious at having to do it at what she will