"What a thrice enviable sub is Master Louis, to be their cavalier! All eyes are turned upon them."
"And a knight of Alcantara, yonder, leaning against the mantel-piece, seems to eye Lisle with a very unfriendly look. In truth, Donna Olivia appears like some being of another world. Her features are Grecian rather than Spanish; and her eyes—by Jove! they are brighter than diamonds, and flash like lightning when she smiles.
"You seem quite enraptured with her."
"I am a connoisseur; but fair as she is, there is one bonnie lass in the Western Isles, who to me seems fairer still. Olivia is a bold and beautiful girl, but there is something softer, yet not less pleasing, in the hazel eyes of Virginia."
"Virginia! By heavens, I should know her face! Where can I have seen it before?"
"Hush! they are moving this way, smiling and coquetting as if they meant to be the death of us all."
"Faith! Alister, I hope Lisle will have the charity to introduce us."
"Tush! A Spanish officer has carried off Olivia. He has engaged her for the next dance. He is bowing to you, Stuart."
Ronald's eyes at that moment encountered those of the Condé de Truxillo. Both bowed, and the condé placing his arm around Olivia, wheeled her into the circle of the waltzers, where they were seen only for a moment now and then. Fassifern led away the duke to one of the refreshment-tables in the garden; while Lisle, followed by the sharp eyes of many a jealous cavalier, advanced towards Stuart and Macdonald, with Virginia leaning on his arm.
"I wish one of you would find a partner," said he; "we want a vis-a-vis for the next quadrille."