"But suppose I like queening it among the English nobility a trifle longer. You see Trevalyon is—"
"You rouse the devil in me, Kate; look you, I won't and can't stand this any longer; name that man again to me in that fooling way and by the stars I'll shoot him. You belong to me as much as our—. But you know you do. Heaven is my witness, Kate, if you don't end this humbug I will, and in my own way."
"I sometimes think it would have been better had we never met; you are so fierce and jealous."
"No you don't, for our love is the same, our natures the same. The burning lava of my love suits you better than the, ah, dear me, gentlemanly affection of the Colonel, or than Lincoln Tompkins' innocent pride in you."
"How about the other men?" she said, teasingly.
"Leave them to me, I'll handle them should they cross my path. You shall come with me to-night, my plans are laid; you will never regret it. You would soon tire of the child's play here, no excitement; after the ball I away from Rose Cottage. Our life at New York and elsewhere will be one long draught of champagne. You must come with me to-night, or look you—" and he hissed the words between his teeth, "I'll make you."
"My flowers again,—and the dinner bell; I'll tell you yea—perhaps, by-and-by."
Vaura, with her hand on her heart to still its violent throbbing, lingered until sure of their retreat. She now emerged from the recess in which she had been completely hidden. The others having entered from the end door had seated themselves in the first recess, there being only the double row of book shelves between them. The whole length of the room was in this way, shelves jutting out from either side, and a dim, very dim light pervading.
"Oh, what shall I do? How can I appear with their voices in my ears, their words stamped upon my memory," she murmured, "and yet I must, for my poor darling comes after. I must try to forget their words or my brain will be too full. What a scandal for our house. But to the conventionalities," and with rapid steps she reached her apartments. "Quick, Saunders, a wine glass of Cognac, I am not well. There, that will do; how do I look?"
"Like a picture, Mademoiselle."