A Heart-Song of To-day (Disturbed by Fire from the 'Unruly Member'): A Novel

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By Jove! I have missed her; you are a very Circe, Mrs. Tompkins.
The speaker, one of the handsomest men I have ever seen, started to his feet as a beautiful Italian mantel clock rang in silver chimes the hour of midnight.
Sit down again my dear Captain, I have not told you all, and am a wilful woman and must have my way. I know whom you have missed, she said truly, for Sir Tilton Everly has informed her, out-come her woman wit to prevent the meeting. Is she anything to you?
No, and yes, as all women beautiful or fascinating are, I love you all.
You have large capacities, Captain Trevalyon, but I must make you love one woman and only one, or I cannot sleep content, and the black amorous eyes rest on his face.
Ye gods! a confession, thought Trevalyon. Awkward for me as I want Haughton to have the innings; she is good fun and doesn't bore one, but I've missed Vaura again, fool I was to come.
You don't seem curious continued Mrs. Tompkins, rolling a small table on which was the debris of a petit champagne supper, from between them.
Curious! a prerogative of your sex, fair madame, though any of your secrets would be chic enough to tempt a man to encroach, he answered gaily, drawing a chair near his own.
Especially when 'tis of a woman who lives for him alone, and the handsome wealthy widow sank into the chair opposite him.