"Excuse me," he murmured. "I must say good-evening to our hostess," and he stole quietly out.
The two young people did not notice him. They sat down very close to each other, Karl leaning forward and looking into the big blue eyes of the girl. Elsa gave a glance at the disappearing figure of Millar.
"I am awfully glad to be alone with you, Elsa," Karl said. "You are the one natural thing in this fetid, artificial atmosphere. Don't you feel warm?"
"Yes, as if some hot breeze were blowing through this room. It stifles me."
"You never spoke like that before," Karl said.
His back was toward the ballroom door and he did not see Millar usher Olga into the room. The man had brought Olga that she might witness the fulfilment of her plan, and that he might triumph in her jealousy and further thwart them. Elsa saw them come in and seat themselves across the room.
"There is Olga," she said, "and she, too, is jealous. Don't you want to speak to her?"
"I have seen her," Karl replied without turning around. "I would rather talk with you. It's far more interesting."
"They are talking about us," Elsa said warningly, as she saw Olga and Millar look toward them.
"Oh, what of it?" Karl exclaimed impatiently. "Let us be glad we are together. I am just beginning to know you, Elsa."