As she entered the handsomely decorated rooms on the night of the party, she looked around her nervously, fearing to see some one whom she had known in earlier days. She noticed one only—Percy de Brabazon, whose face lighted up when he saw her, for he had been expecting to see her.
She managed to convey a caution by a quiet movement, as it would not be wise for Mrs. Leighton to know of their previous acquaintance. But Percy was determined to get an opportunity to speak to her.
“Who is that young lady, Aunt Mary?” he asked. “The one standing near the piano.”
“That is Carrie’s governess,” answered Mrs. Leighton, carelessly.
“She seems quite a ladylike person.”
“Yes. I understand she has seen better days. She is to play for us in the absence of Prof. Bouvier.”
“Will you introduce me, aunt?”
“Why?” asked Mrs. Leighton, with a searching look.
“I should like to inquire about Carrie’s progress in her studies,” said the cunning Percy.
“Oh, certainly,” answered the aunt, quite deceived by his words.