Jorge rose.

“It must be that lady; I have a few words to say to her.”

And he remained standing by the table, sharpening a toothpick with deliberation.

Luiza rose, trembling.

Jorge caught her quietly by the arm.

“No, allow me,” he said; “let me have that pleasure!”

Luiza dropped into a chair, very pale. The noise of Juliana’s high heels could be heard in the hall. Jorge continued tranquilly sharpening his toothpick.

Luiza turned towards him, and clasping her hands, said in a supplicating voice,—

“Don’t say anything to her!”

He looked at her in astonishment.