"Come, then, but mind, I am not to be blamed for consequences!"
Colonel Audley had not exaggerated the difficulty of approaching Barbara Childe. When she left the dancing-floor on the arm of her partner she became engulfed in a crowd of impatient supplicants who would scarcely give place to any under the rank of a general. All had, however, to fall back before the Prince of Orange, who led Colonel Audley up to her ladyship, and said with his appealing smile: "Lady Barbara, I want to present to you a friend of mine who desires beyond anything this introduction. Colonel Audley - Lady Barbara Childe!"
Colonel Audley bowed, and looked up to find the Lady Barbara's brilliant gaze upon him. There was candid speculation in it, a tolerant smile just parted the lady's lips. The Colonel returned the look, smiled, and said in his pleasant voice: "How do you do?"
"How do you do?" responded Barbara slowly, still looking at him.
Chapter Four
The Colonel, finding a gloved hand held out to him, took it in his, and bent his head to kiss it. Barbara looked down at it with a little bewilderment, as though she wondered why she had extended it.
"Do please grant the Colonel one waltz!" said the Prince, amusement quivering in his voice.
He moved away. The Comte de Lavisse said in English: "But how should that be possible, one asks oneself?"
"May I have the honour?" said the Colonel.
"But no!" objected the Count. "This leads to an affair of the most sanguinary! I shall immediately send friends to call upon you!"