“Goodnight, Minerva! I don’t have to tell you that you looked very beautiful and graceful at my table, as I wanted you to do.”
For a moment Minerva could not think of a reply.
Then, as she hesitated, feeling shy, he had already left her, springing back into the phaeton and picking up the reins to drive away.
She watched him go, thinking that he was Apollo riding his chariot across the sky to bring light to the world.
Then, as if her thoughts about him frightened her, she went into the house to tell Mrs. Briggs she could go home now.
“I’ve enjoyed comin’, Miss Minerva,” Mrs. Briggs said, “and that’s the truth! The footmen from The Castle gives me the food the little ’uns didn’t eat and I’ve enjoyed every mouthful of it!”
“I must pay you for coming,” Minerva said, wondering how much sh
