“Oh no!” responded Hero. “I think he was a trifle foxed. He only wanted to see my face, but I didn’t at all see why he should. Is that a trifle? Please, I would like some. And perhaps a little more of this nice cold drink. Was it Flyaway Nancy?”
“Kitten,” said the Viscount warmly, “you’re the best wife I ever thought to have, ’pon my soul you are! Here’s to you, brat!”
“Well, I am sure you are quite the best husband, Sherry,” said Hero, turning pink with pleasure.
“I’m not,” said his lordship, with unwonted humility. “And nine women out of ten would be swooning all over the box after what happened, and reproaching me all the way home! I’ll tell you what: I’m glad I married you. It wasn’t what I set out to do, but it answers famously. I thought it would.”
“Oh, Sherry!” sighed Hero, deeply moved.
He refilled her glass. “I couldn’t have brought the Incomparable to a Covent Garden Masquerade, that’s certain,” he observed. “Come to think of it, I suppose I ought not to have brought you either.”
“What, just because that stupid creature tried to take my mask off? What stuff, Sherry! I am enjoying myself excessively!”
“You’re a good girl,” he informed her. “Dashed if I don’t rent a box at the opera for you after all!”
This generous concession cast Hero into gratified transports, but, as ill fortune would have it, was the cause of a speedy fall from favour in her husband’s eyes. The box acquired through the kind offices of Lady Sefton, Hero lost no time in putting in an appearance at the Italian Opera. She bought a new dress for the occasion, and, the dowager having reluctantly disgorged the family jewels, wore the pearl set, which included a very pretty tiara. Having persuaded Sherry to make one of the opera party, she invited Mr Ringwood and Mrs Hoby to join them.
Nothing could have been more auspicious than the start of the evening. The Viscount was pleased to see his bride in such looks; and Hero was always happy to have him at her side. In addition to this felicity, she had all the comfort of being able to bow and wave to acquaintances in other parts of the house, for thanks to several parties, assemblies, and morning calls, she was now in a fair way towards knowing a great many of the people who made up the world of fashion. This was certainly an advantage, and she could not help contrasting her appearance tonight with the one she had made on the first night of her marriage, when she had not been able to recognize one face in the whole of the audience. She was pleased to have Mr Ringwood seated beside her, for she felt him to be quite one of her best friends; and judging from his frequent bursts of laughter, and a certain bright look in his angelic blue eyes, her cousin was contriving to keep Sherry well amused.