“I begin to think,” said Carrissima, “that none of us imagined all there was in you!”

“Oh, as for me,” returned Bridget, “I was simply a little wretch during the few months you saw anything of me.  I honestly believe that was a kind of interregnum.  If you had met me while my father was alive you would have taken me for a quite different woman.  All that is over and done with and for the rest—­well, you will see!”

When Carrissima rose to go away Bridget clung to her hand—­

“Jimmy will be immensely disappointed,” she exclaimed.  “I wish you would do something to console him by dining with us one evening.  Our space here isn’t sufficient for large parties.”

“I should be very pleased,” said Carrissima.

“Let me see,” returned Bridget, knitting her brows, “we were reckless enough to promise to go to Sandbay from Friday till Monday—­my dear little Dresden china aunts, you remember!  It is really very amusing!  Jimmy paid them a visit just after I left Golfney Place and they have taken quite a fancy to him.  The odd part of it is, that he seems to like them in return.  Goodness knows how he will endure three days in a house where tobacco has always been tabooed.  Would next Friday suit you?”

“Quite nicely,” said Carrissima.

“Oh, but Friday is an unlucky day, isn’t it?” cried Bridget.  “I don’t know whether you are superstitious, although I believe everyone is about something.  Suppose we say Thursday, and if I can’t get together the people I should like to meet you I must write and fix another evening.  If you don’t hear to the contrary I shall expect you on Thursday—­at eight o’clock.  Or,” Bridget added, “perhaps half-past seven will be more convenient.  Yes, please let it be half-past seven.”

Carrissima walked back to Grandison Square thinking of the change which had occurred in Bridget, who yet remained in many ways the same as she had ever been and most likely always would be.  But she had no longer anything to disguise, anything to scheme for.  Her manner was characterized by a new and delightful air of authority, and, indeed, Carrissima, if anybody, had become the plotter now!  As far as Mrs. Jimmy was concerned the slate had been cleaned.  No, in spite of anything that Lawrence might say, in spite of all that Bridget had done, Carrissima could not believe that Jimmy Clynesworth was to be very deeply pitied.

CHAPTER XXVIII

EXEUNT OMNES

Carrissima, in her curiosity to know the identity of the “people” whom Bridget wished her to meet, paid a visit to Upper Grosvenor Street.  Sybil Clynesworth’s breach of trust had been long ago forgiven, and now she was asked, in the most casual tone, whether she was to make one of the party at Aberdeen Mansion on Thursday.

“My dear,” said Sybil, “Bridget quite understands that I do not care for that sort of thing.  I must say she is kindness itself, and she wouldn’t hear of my turning out of this house; she wouldn’t hear of it.  And really Jimmy seems exceedingly happy.”