In the twinkling of an eye, she threw both arms wildly about the neck of the astonished hostess and kissed her forcefully upon the lips. Then, with a ringing laugh, tinged with triumph, she stepped back, assuming a defiant air.
The Duchess paled with anger. She rose quickly and, turning on the pretty youth, exclaimed: “Sir, what do you mean?”
“Tilly-vally!” replied the naughty Nell, in her most winning way. “A frown upon that alabaster brow, a pout upon those rosy lips; and all for nothing!”
“Parbleu!” exclaimed the indignant Duchess. “Your impudence is outrageous, sir! We will dispense with your company. Good night!”
“Ods-pitikins!” swaggered Nell, feigning umbrage. “Angry because I kissed you! You have no right, madame, to be angry.”
“No right?” asked Portsmouth, her feelings tempered by surprise.
“No right,” repeated Nell, firmly. “It is I who should be outraged at your anger.”
“Explain, sir,” said the Duchess, haughtily.
Nell stepped toward the lady, and, assuming her most tender tone, with wistful, loving eyes, declared:
“Because your grace can have no appreciation of what my temptation was to kiss you.”