"Possibly."
"And within the hour—she will refuse you."
"That remains to be seen," rejoined her nephew rising, as a general covered with orders came forward, and asked Mrs. Lepell if he might have the pleasure of taking her down to supper.
Verona had followed with Brian Salwey, who, with some difficulty, piloted his fair lady through the crowded room, and found two empty places at a large central table. She had scarcely been seated, and was taking off her gloves, when she heard her name spoken, and looking up saw a handsome, middle-aged woman, wearing a diamond tiara, leaning towards her eagerly.
"Surely it is Verona Chandos?" she enquired.
"Oh, Lady Ida!" she exclaimed, "is it you? What a surprise!"
"To you, but not to me. I have been expecting to come across you ever since I left Bombay," rejoined the other—speaking precisely as if India were a small country town. "The Melvilles told me you were out here. How do you like the gorgeous East? Not much," she added, answering herself, "you look a little pale and thin, but of course I would recognise you anywhere, by my very dear friend, your beautiful diamond bow! You and I must have a long chat by and by," and with this remark she once more turned her attention to her companion, and her plate.
"Who is the very dear friend of your diamond bow?" inquired Salwey.
"Lady Ida Eustace—she lives near the Melvilles, who brought me up. I have known her since I was a small child. She is a charming woman—so popular. Don't you think her handsome?"
(Lady Ida had an oval face, an aquiline nose, a pair of merry dark eyes, and a presence!)