How to sit out the performance she could not divine. Had she been by herself she would have left there and then, but, situated as she was, such a course was quite impracticable.
It was in vain that the voice of the gifted singer gave expression to the most seductive and entrancing strains. It was in vain that the chorus and orchestra poured forth a flood of melody.
Aveline heard them not. Her attention was revitted upon her husband and his fair partner.
“The green-eyed monster” was pressing with a leaden and oppressive weight upon the jealous wife, who forgot at this trying hour that she had deserted her husband for wealth and luxury.
“I hate and despise him,” she murmured, with supreme bitterness. “He never was my equal. Now he is a false, deceitful monster. How I despise him!”
“What is the matter with my darling pet?” exclaimed Lady Marvlynn, leaning forward, and whispering in the ear of her young charge.
“Oh nothing-nothing at all.”
“Nay, my dear, something seems amiss. You look pale, and do not seem yourself. Tell me what it is? Do you feel faint?”
“I have a headache—the heat is oppressive,” cried Aveline, not knowing what excuse to make.
“Ah, you cannot deceive me, my child. I feel assured that you are not well. When this act is over we will retire for a while.”