But to her dismay Lord Werter replied gravely:
“I shall not promise you that, my little friend, for now that I know Daisie Bell was true to me, I shall like to remain near her for a little while to gladden my eyes with a sight of her beauty. And to do this I shall wish to be very friendly with you, Miss Janowitz, so that I may sometimes call on you at Mrs. Sherwood’s house.”
“Oh, but that would be very wrong. Please do not!” she exclaimed. But all her entreaties were of no use.
“You may trust my honor that she shall not find me out!” was all he would say.
When he led her back to Daisie, Mrs. Fleming was dancing, and he was glad he did not have to encounter the wicked little schemer yet until he was calmer and could act the part he had set for himself.
How his heart thrilled as he met the gaze of Daisie again, and he gave her such a penetrating look that she blushed in confusion! Poor Daisie, who could not help her heart from beating faster, though her manner to him was cold as ice.
They went home presently, and Annette soon found from Mrs. Fleming’s manner that she was both angry and jealous because of her long stay in the conservatory. This only amused her, and she said saucily:
“Really, I couldn’t get away any sooner! I declare, I have made quite an impression on his lordship, and he is going to call on me to-morrow!”
CHAPTER XXX.
REMORSE AND REPENTANCE.
It is quite safe to say that Annette’s slumbers after the ball were not very peaceful. The startling events of the evening banished repose.