'Which way, ma'am?' asked the servant.
'Go you down the street, then turn to the right, and the first house with a railing and steps, and a brass knocker,' said Mrs Jenkins, exulting as they drove off in her new dignity and importance. Howel, on the contrary, returned to the concert-room, cursing his folly for having settled in his native county, and wishing his mother anywhere else.
Nevertheless, he received the thanks of the conductor of the concert with bland humility, and expressed his intention of using all his best efforts in behalf of his country and countrymen. Finally he assisted in cloaking and shawling the ladies, seeing them to their carriages, and bidding them condescending good nights.
For himself, however, he had not a good night, being haunted with the demons of jealousy and discontent. As soon as Netta and he were alone, he addressed her in very different tones from those which he had called forth for the ladies of the concert-room.
'Netta, why do you let Dancy pay you such attentions?' he began, with a scowling brow and flashing eye.
'Why does Mme. Duvet let you pay her such attention?' was Netta's instant reply.
Now Netta was too well pleased with herself, and the effect of her beauty on others, to endure being snubbed, and was very angry that Howel was not pleased also.
'Don't be a fool, Netta. You know Madame Duvet is doing all she can to catch Owen.'
'Oh! jealous are you? Well, there were plenty of other ladies who let you pay them attention; why was that I wonder?'
'I tell you what it is, Netta, I won't allow Dancy to devote himself to you as he does.'