"Oh, go to her; she is not well. I am so sorry! Go to her at once!"
Dick ran down the stairs, and the girl followed a step or two, then stood watching them timidly.
"Hallo, Nell! What's the matter?" asked Dick.
She opened her eyes and rose instantly, struggling with all a woman's courage beating in her heart to renew the fight, to play her part to the end of that never—never-ending night.
"Nothing, nothing. I am just a little tired, I think."
At this moment Drake came up.
"This is my dance, Nell," he said. His face, his voice were grave, for his soul was still disquieted within him. "I have been looking for you——"
He stopped suddenly and put out his hand, for her face had grown white again. She had raised her eyes to his for a moment with the look of a dumb animal in pain; but she lowered them instantly and bent aside to take up her dress.
"I am tired," she said, forcing a smile. "The heat—could we not go home? I—I mean, Dick and I—there is no need for you——"
"Yes, yes; at once; this instant!" he said. "Wait while I get you some water—wait——"