"Can you see?" asked Mrs. Hawksley. "Go a little nearer to the front. Make room for Miss Lorton, please."
Nell shook her head.
"I can see very well," she said, also in a whisper, for she did not want to be seen.
She craned forward and looked down on the brilliant, glittering crowd. The lights of which Dick was so proud dazzled her for a moment or two; but presently her eyes became accustomed to them, and she recognized Lady Angleford, the Wolfers, and others. Lady Angleford was in black satin and lace, and, at Drake's request, had put on the family diamonds.
"You are right, Mrs. Hawksley," said Nell. "They are magnificent. What a lovely scene!"
"I am glad you are pleased, Miss Lorton," responded the old lady, as if she had got up the whole show for Nell's sole benefit. "I am looking for the earl, to point him out to you; but I don't see him. He must be under the gallery at this moment. Ah! yes; here he comes. Now, quick! lean forward. There! that tall gentleman with the fair lady on his arm. Lean forward a little more, and you will see him quite plainly. The lady's in a kind of pale mauve silk——"
Nell leaned forward with all a girl's eager curiosity; then she uttered a faint cry, and drew back. The couple Mrs. Hawksley had pointed out were Drake and Lady Luce. Drake!
"What is the matter? Did any one squeeze you? Did you see his lordship?" asked Mrs. Hawksley.
"No," said Nell, trying to keep her voice steady. "I—I saw that gentleman with the lady in mauve; but——"
Mrs. Hawksley stared at her.