Sir Francis drew his breath sharply, but remained proudly waiting for her.
She shivered and gave a little groan. A sudden laugh sprang into my lord's beautiful eyes. He lifted the pale rose to his lips and threw back his head. Miss Boyle, all silver and white, took a step forward into the moonlight where it fell clear of the laurels.
"Sir Francis is my escort, sir," she answered, looking straightly at my lord. "My duty to the Countess, and adieu!" She curtsied, and Sir Francis made a little eager motion towards her. She laid her hand lightly on his arm.
The Earl smiled at both of them.
"Au revoir, shall we not say?" He turned away at once.
Miss Boyle stood with downcast eyes. She was so pale and quiet that Sir Francis was alarmed.
"I would I had come sooner."
She looked round now—not at him, but at the pink domino disappearing down the shadowed walk.
"You are not going to challenge him?" she asked under her breath.