“I am really sorry, madam,” said Hester, dropping a curtsey as she spoke. “I know I ought to have gone round by the corridor outside, but this part of the room seemed quite clear just for the moment, and Jacob was in a hurry. He sent me flying for some fresh glasses. I am very sorry, of course.”
“Well, don’t do it again,” said Lady Georgina, “and go away now; this is no place for you.”
Hester tripped across the room, carrying her glasses deftly. Lady Georgina and Murray prepared to resume their dance. Suddenly Hester’s face was seen in the doorway.
“Master Murray, may I speak to you for a moment?” she called out.
“What can you want, Hester?” cried the boy. “I am very busy just now. I can’t leave my partner.”
“I won’t keep you long, sir; there’s something you ought to know.”
Hester’s face looked really troubled.
“I wonder what she wants,” said Murray to Lady Georgina. “Would you mind very much if I went to her?”
“No, dear,” was the reply, “I’ll sit on the window ledge and wait for you.”
“Please don’t give our dance to anybody else.”