"At last," she echoed, with a little sigh. "Do you want to dance?" she asked. "It is so hot; let us go and sit down somewhere."
Almost by accident they came to the place where Hermione had sat with Alexander. There was no one there, and they installed themselves upon the same sofa.
"I thought you were never coming," said Paul. "After all, what does it matter whether people see us together or not? I never can understand what amusement there is, after the first five minutes, in rushing about in a domino and trying to mystify people."
"No," answered Hermione, "it is not very amusing. I would much rather sit quietly and talk with some one I know and who knows me."
"I want to tell you something to-night, dear," said Paul, after a short silence. "Do you mind if I tell you now?"
"No bad news?" asked Hermione, rather nervously.
"No. It is simply this: I have made up my mind that I must speak to your father to-morrow. Do not be startled, darling. This position cannot last. I am not acting an honorable part, and he expects me to ask him the question. I know you have objected to my going to him for a long time, but I feel that the thing must be done. There can be no good objection to our marriage,—Mr. Carvel made Griggs understand that. Tell me, is there any real reason why I should not speak?"
Hermione turned her head away. Under the long sleeves of her domino her small hands were tightly clasped together.
"Is there any reason, dear?" repeated Paul, very gently. But as her silence continued his lips set themselves firmly, and his face grew slowly pale.
"Will you please speak, darling?" he said, in changed tones. "I am very nervous," he added, with a short, harsh laugh.