"Lepell—Lepell!" she repeated, closing her eyes. "Now, let me think; yes! Her sister married a Colonel Salwey; she was a friend of mine, and died young. He married again, oh, such a little——"
"Excuse me, but I think you are speaking of my father," interrupted Brian, and looking straight at Lady Ida as he spoke.
"Oh! am I? Then you must be the boy I remember. Dear me! dear me! it makes me feel quite an old woman! How odd that I should meet you, and begin talking of your people. I've a dreadful way of stumbling into social pitfalls—and I was just about to discuss your stepmother. Now, tell me, when can I see your aunt?"
"Any time after supper. You will find her up on the daïs place. She is wearing a sort of purple gown."
(A sort of purple gown!—that exquisite French garment of misty mauve and silver.)
"Very well—and, Verona, I must have a little talk with you. I suppose you are engaged ten deep?"
"Yes, but I think I could give you the Lancers," she rejoined, "to sit out."
"My dear child! I am engaged; I am dancing with the Lieutenant-Governor! Oh, do please look at this party who have just come in—the two women especially. It is not often you see such dark complexions in society! How did they get here? Observe the creature with the shell chains in her hair. Why! you know them!" as Blanche nodded at Verona; "who are they?"
"They are my mother and sister," she answered in a low voice, and her features were so controlled as to be almost expressionless.
"Good heavens!" exclaimed Lady Ida, and the colour flew from her cheeks to her hair. "Oh, my dear girl, you are not serious!"