Close’s drawing-room was warm, well-lit, beautifully furnished and humming with the conversations of twenty people who had gathered to help their hostess celebrate her sixtieth birthday. Evening dresses were being flaunted for this occasion, and the room was gay with the colours of the women’s dresses, the flowers sent as birthday tributes, and the light voices that mingled with the deeper tones of the men, David had not for a long time been present at such a colourful party, and felt himself expanding under the influence of the men’s conversation and the sparkling eyes and bright smiles of the women. Mrs. Close was in pale grey with a cluster of pink rosebuds on one shoulder, which suited her pink-and-white delicacy to perfection. Patricia was in warm red velvet. Other girls, in frothing white, blue or yellow, contrasted with the black and white of the men. The light struck sparks of red and green from a jewel here or cut-glass decanter there, while the glowing fire attracted a circle of people who stood round it chatting amicably.David had been cornered by a young and pretty girl who was, no doubt, the local siren.
What do You think about The Fortunes Of Springfield?
