"What a strange little creature you are!"
"Yes, rather. It is our turn now."
After a little there was another long pause in the dance. Then Hilton went back to the subject nearest to his heart.
"You could not possibly persuade her to come down—not here, but into some of the less public rooms?" he said.
"Impossible. She would not think of it."
"Cruel!"
"Yes, I think so; but then, I would do exactly the same thing."
"What makes you start so, Clara?"
"Don't you see? There is Mr. Closs going up to grandmamma, and papa standing close by her. Why, Lord Hope is speaking to him! How good! how kind! They are both smiling; now, now, do look on mamma Rachael's face—she sees them, and happiness makes her splendid! He is coming this way. Understand now, I shall dance with him just as often as I can, and you are to help me if I get into any trouble. Thank Heaven, this set is over!"
"You are complimentary," laughed Lord Hilton.