"Never," replied Maurice.
"But the dress may need some alteration," persisted Madeleine. "Pray, pray come!"
She spoke almost imploringly, and in an excited tone, which the mere trying on of a dress did not warrant.
"Oh, you dear despot! I suppose you must be obeyed."
Bertha snatched the ivy-garlanded dress, and bounded away. Madeleine would have followed, but Maurice seized her hand detainingly.
"One moment, Madeleine,—grant me one moment!"
"Not now. Bertha will be waiting for me!" And she made an effort to free her imprisoned hand.
"You shall tell her that you were taken captive, and she will forgive you, if it be only for the sake of your jailer. There's vanity for you!"
"But my arrangements for this evening are not all completed. It is growing late, Maurice; I entreat you to release me; I cannot remain—I must go!"