"Anything that lies in my power," she said, "I shall be only too happy to do; but I fear I shall be rather at a loss how to amuse a handsome young officer like Captain Langton."
Lady Darrell laughed, but looked much pleased.
"You are right," she said—"he is handsome. I do not know that I have ever seen one more handsome."
Then she stopped abruptly, for she caught the gleam of Pauline's scornful smile—the dark eyes were looking straight at her. Lady Darrell blushed crimson, and the smile on Pauline's lips deepened.
"I see my way now," she said to herself. "Time, fate, and opportunity will combine at last."
"And you, Pauline," inquired Lady Darrell, in her most caressing manner—"you will help me with my visitor—will you not?"
"Pardon me, I must decline," answered Miss Darrell.
"Why, I thought Captain Langton and yourself were great friends!" cried Lady Darrell.
"I am not answerable for your thoughts, Lady Darrell," said Pauline.
"But you—you sing so beautifully! Oh, Pauline, you must help me!" persisted Lady Darrell.