"Was it not dreadful, spoiling Mrs. Stanley's beautiful set that way? Won't you go with me to-morrow, Miss Fielding, and try to match it?" she asked. "Do you know, I was so interested in what Mr. Meredith was telling, I forgot I had it in my hand, and it fell. It seems he has been a student at one of those delightful German universities. He was telling me how much his father wished it before his death, nearly three years ago."
Was there a strange, hidden meaning in the blue eyes that met Jewel's? Was there a menace in the distinct voice? Jewel quailed for a moment, fancying these things, and her rival saw her turn pale and tremble.
But it was Jewel's turn now.
"Laurie, will you take me home now? I have another engagement," she said.
They bowed and went away from the presence of the young beauty.
On the way home Jewel betrayed her petulant jealousy plainly.
"You promised me not to fall in love with that girl, Laurie."
"Did your 'other engagement' mean that you wanted to bring me away to scold me?" he asked, frowning.
"You are in love with her, Laurie!" angrily.
"You are jealous," he retorted; and Jewel took refuge in tears, while her betrothed relapsed into offended silence.