"I am unable to inform you whether he is or not," answered Claudia.
While they talked, the dance went on. Presently it was ended.
"You must come up, now, and speak to Claudia. She is the queen of the evening, you know!" said Ishmael's gentle partner.
"I know it, dear Bee; and I am going to pay my respects; but let me find you a seat first," replied the young man.
"No, I will go with you; I have not yet spoken to Claudia this evening," said Bee.
Ishmael offered his arm and escorted her across the room to the sofa that was doing duty as throne for "the queen of the evening."
"I am glad to see you looking so well, Bee! Mr. Worth, I hope you are enjoying yourself," was the greeting of Miss Merlin, as they came up.
Then turning towards the viscount, she said:
"Beatrice, my dear, permit me—Lord Vincent, my cousin, Miss Middleton."
A low bow from the gentleman, a slight courtesy from the lady, and that was over.