Violet Jacob > Flemington

SOCIETY
231
While nearly all the Edinburgh world dwelt in
its flat, and while many greater ladies than her¬
self were contented to receive their guests in
their bedchambers, and to dance and drink tea in
rooms not much bigger than the boudoirs of their
descendants, Lady Anne could have received
Prince Charles Edward himself in suitable cir¬
cumstances had she been so minded. But she
was very far from having any such aspiration,
and had not set foot in Holyrood while the Prince
was there, for she was a staunch Whig. As she
greeted her cousin Balnillo, she was wondering
how far certain rumours that she had heard about
him were true, and whether he also had been
privy to the taking of the sloop-of-war in Montrose
harbour, for it was just a week since the news of
Logie’s exploit had reached Edinburgh. One of
David’s many reasons for coming to her party
was his desire to make his reappearance in the
polite world in a markedly Whig house.
He stood talking to Lord Grange in the oak-
panelled room half full of people; through an
open door another smaller appartment could be
seen crowded with tables and card-players. Lady
Anne, all of whose guests were arrived, had
vanished into it, and the two judges stood side
by side. Lord Grange, who valued his reputation
for sanctity above rubies, did not play cards—at
least, not openly—and Balnillo, discovering new
faces, as those must who have been over a year
absent from any community, was glad to have
him at his elbow to answer questions. Silks
rustled, fans clicked, and the medley of noises in