“Madame!” exclaimed Portsmouth, interrupting her, with fiery indignation.
“I say, you are the first to question the propriety of the place,” explained Nell, apologetically, though she delighted inwardly at the intended shot which she had given her grace.
“I came by appointment,” continued the Duchess; “but it seems I was misled. Garçon, my chair!”
The Duchess made a move toward the door, but Nell’s words stopped her.
“Be patient, Duchess! He is too gallant to desert you.”
“She knows me!” thought Portsmouth. She turned sharply upon the stranger. “I have not the pleasure of your acquaintance, madame.”
“Such is my loss, not yours,” replied Nell, suavely.
“Remove your veil,” commanded the Duchess; and her eyes flashed through her own.
“I dare not before the beauty of Versailles,” continued Nell, sweetly. “Remove yours first. Then I may take mine off unseen.”
“Do I know you?” suspiciously inquired Portsmouth.