When she is finished we are silent. I feel horribly inclined to cry, yet scarcely know why, and am certain Marmaduke's eyes are fastened upon me.
Somebody says, "Thank you," and then we all follow suit. Chandos alone is silent.
"Why will you sing sad songs, Bebe?" exclaims 'Duke, Impatiently; and Bebe laughs.
"I suppose because I am such a dismal animal myself" she replies lightly, and, rising, comes over to me.
The moonlight streams across the carpet, rebuking the soft radiance of the lamps, A hush has fallen upon us. Her song's refrain almost repeats itself aloud through the stillness. Two tears fall quietly upon my clasped hands. "The love once ours—-"
Pushing the curtain aside with one hand, Chandos says, in a low, determined tone:—-
"Will you come and see how the gardens look by moonlight?"
He addresses no one, he mentions no name, but his eyes are fixed on Bebe; he has forgotten all, everything, but her. Putting my own thoughts from me, I listen with breathless eagerness for her answer. Well do I know it is the third and last appeal. Should she reject this she will indeed lose forever the heart that truly loves her. At length she speaks.
"Yes, if you wish it," she says, letting the words fall from her lips with singular sweetness.
She joins him, and together they go out on the balcony, down the steps, and so disappear.