“I was speaking of your mission, my Lord.”
“Which you forgot, of course, was not to be mentioned,—even to so sincere a well-wisher as Mr. Cashel.”
“In any case, my Lord, it remains safe in my keeping.”
“Very possibly, sir; but it is a poor earnest Lady Kilgoff gives of her fitness as the wife of a 'diplomatist.'”
Cashel gave his arm to Lady Kilgoff, without speaking, and sis Lordship followed them slowly towards the dining-room. Linton stood at the door as they entered, and his wan features grew flushed as the haughty beauty moved past him with the very coldest of recognitions.
“What an admirable taste is your Lordship's!” said he to the old peer; “Lady Kilgoff's diamonds are disposed with an elegance that bespeaks the guiding skill of a consummate artist.”
“Ha! you perceive it, then!” said he, smiling. “I own to you, the festooning the robe with bouquets of brilliants was a fancy of mine, and has, I think, a very pretty effect.”
“Storr told me that he had not one person in his employment could equal your Lordship in the harmonious arrangement of gems. He mentioned a bracelet, if I remember aright, made from your own designs, as the most beautifully chaste ornament he had ever seen.”
“You must pronounce for yourself, sir,” said the old lord, with a smile of elated vanity; and so, taking Linton's arm, he approached where Lady Kilgoff was seated in a group of ladies.
“Will you oblige me, madam,” said he, with a courteous bow, “by showing Mr. Linton your ruby and opal bracelet, which I had the poor merit of designing?”