CHAPTER XXXVI.
A GATHERING STORM.
After a night of sleeplessness and anguish, Valerie arose to a day of duplicity and terror.
The anticipation of the evening was intolerable to her; the prospect of sitting down at her own table between the Duke of Hereward and the Count de Volaski overwhelmed her with a sense of horror and loathing.
Faint, pale, and trembling, she descended to the breakfast-room, where she found the duke already awaiting her.
Shocked at her aspect, he hastened to meet her and lead her to an easy-chair on the right of the breakfast-table.
"You are not able to be out of your bed, Valerie. You should not have attempted to rise," he said, as he carefully seated her.
"I told you last night that I was very ill," she answered coldly, as she sank wearily back on the cushion.
"That infernal dinner party! It has prostrated you quite. I am so grieved; I will not suffer you to be so severely tried again!" said the duke, vehemently.
"And you will write this morning and put off the count's visit," pleaded Valerie.