Following the dancing, all of the guests entered the dining room. Because Michelle and Sarah, two of Elizabeth's friends, were invited, the staff was slightly shorthanded. Servants of other manners were designated temporary servers. Among them was Margaret Austen, Michelle's slightly plumper sister and cook in the Swann household. The guests seated themselves around the lengthy dining table, but absent was Mullroy. Margaret frowned in concern and hurriedly left to find him. She found him sitting, his head in his hands, against the ballroom wall. He looked up when he heard her approach.
"Hello Margaret."