James bowed.
"I will leave you, madam. I offered you my hand and my heart." With that he walked off, a picture of outraged dignity.
Cleone broke into hysterical laughter. Up came Sir Deryk.
"You seem vastly entertained, lady fair. May I share the pleasantry?"
Cleone sprang up.
"Take me away from this!" she begged. "I—I am nigh fainting from the heat! I—oh, I must be quiet! The fiddling goes through and through my head. I—oh, take me somewhere cool!"
Sir Deryk was surprised, but he did not show it.
"Why, of course, dearest! I know of a small withdrawing-room nearby. Take my arm, it's stifling in here!" He led her across the room to where a heavy curtain hung, shutting off a small, dimly-lighted apartment.
Meanwhile Philip had gone to Lady Malmerstoke's side. He sat down, frowning gloomily.
Her ladyship eyed him speculatively.