“Yes, yes, of course; we'll find out a snug co-corner somewhere for a chat. Just take my arm, will you? Let us get away from all these great 'Dons,' with their stars and crosses.” And, without waiting for Kate's reply, he drew her arm within his own, and set out in that little shuffling trot which he always assumed when he fancied he had business on hand.
The ridicule of being associated with such a companion would at any other moment have overwhelmed Kate Dalton with shame; but now, whether from the few words which Lady Hester had whispered in her ear, whether the fact of his unauthorized appearance, or whether it were the dread of some greater disgrace to follow, she actually felt a sense of relief in the continuous flow of twaddle which he kept up as they passed down the room.
“Who was that smiled as we passed?” asked he.
“Prince Midchekoff.”
“Oh, that was he, was it? You must introduce me.”
“Not now, pray, not now; at any other time,” cried she, in perfect terror.
“Well, but don't forget it. Zoe would never forgive me if I told her that I lost the op-op-opportunity; she wants to know him so very much.”
“Of course, at another time,” said Kate, hurrying him along with increasing speed.
“Who's he?” asked Purvis, as a tall and stately personage bowed blandly to Kate.
“The Austrian Minister.”