"Pardon me. I cannot tell you why not. It is not a story fit for your ears. But I will tell your father. For I think the real position of the fellow ought to be known. In the meantime, will you take my word for the truth of what I have said, and permit me to lead you to a seat?"
"Certainly," said the young lady, trembling with distress.
"I regret exceedingly to deprive you of your dance; but you perceive that there is no other vacant place."
"Oh, don't mention it! Find me a seat."
This low-toned conversation, every word of which had been overheard by Claudia who, though in another set, stood nearly back to back with the speaker, was entirely lost to Ishmael, who stood at the foot of the same set with him, but was at a greater distance, and was besides quite absorbed in the task of reassuring his timid schoolgirl companion.
Just as Burghe turned to lead his partner away, and Ishmael, attracted by the movement, lifted his eyes to see the cause, Claudia gently drew Lord Vincent after her, and going up to the retiring couple said:
"Miss Tourneysee, I beg your pardon; but will you and your partner do myself and Lord Vincent the favor to exchange places with us? We particularly desire to form a part of this set."
"Oh, certainly!" said the young lady, wondering, but rejoiced to find that she should not be obliged to miss the dance.
They exchanged places accordingly; but as they still stood very near together, Claudia heard him whisper to his partner:
"This evening I think I will speak to your father and some other gentlemen and enlighten them as to who this fellow really is!"