CHAPTER XVII.
PAULINE'S BRIGHT FANCIES.
The ball at Darrell Court was a brilliant success. Sir Oswald was delighted, Lady Hampton complimented him so highly.
"This is just as it ought to be, Sir Oswald," she said. "One who can give such entertainments as this should not think of retiring from a world he is so well qualified to adorn. Confess, now, that under the influence of that music you could dance yourself."
Sir Oswald laughed.
"I must plead guilty," he said. "How beautiful Miss Rocheford looks to-night!"
"It is well for you, Sir Oswald, that you have not heard all the compliments that the dear child has lavished on you; they would have made you vain."
Sir Oswald's face brightened with pleasure.