"It is the hostess' duty to serve to her guests—and her pleasure as well, sir."
"And may I—now——" extending his arm.
"The doldrums fled at the sound of my voice, I thought you said?"
"But they may return—whereas, to effect a permanent cure, Miss Marbury, I would prescribe a walk in the moonlight.—Sir Edward will excuse you, I know."
She turned to Parkington. It was as well to leave him, now—she had done enough, for one evening.
"It shall be as mademoiselle wishes," said he.
She laid her hand on Herford's arm.
"For a little while, then, Captain Herford, you may try the cure!" she laughed, and they moved away.
"I wonder whether she was tired of me, or whether she thought you were tired of the Captain?" said Parkington.
"A little of both, doubtless!" replied Maynadier—and when Sir Edward looked at him quizzically, he added, "But it is, mainly, the butterfly, which every woman has, in some degree, in her nature."