"I shall like it very much; I should like anything that would secure peace."
"Pray, monsieur," said Madame Davilliers, who came up at that moment, "have you received your card for the ball on the 20th? Our young débutantes, Mademoiselle Lambert and my Antoinette, count on you for one of their partners."
"I am infinitely honored; but I fear my dancing is not of the best. However, in such a cause, one would attempt the impossible."
"It is much to be regretted that the amiable Monsieur Dérin is not in town; and ce cher M. Vincent does not know when he will return. Still our party will be large and distingué."
Of that Glynn had no doubt. He had received his ticket, and if still in Paris would certainly present himself, etc., etc.
Then he felt obliged to offer his congratulations to Mademoiselle Antoinette, after which M. Le Vicomte was introduced, and it seemed to him that half the evening was over before he managed to return to Elsie. She was by no means solitary or neglected, however. Antoinette chattered perseveringly at her side, and various well-dressed employés in sundry imperial bureaux bestowed fragments of their time upon her. Vincent came back more than once to her side, and was tranquilly, if not favorably, received. At last Glynn contrived to obtain a seat beside her.
"Are you not going to sing to-night?"
"No; these gentlemen and Madame d'Italia will give us far better music than I can."
"Not in my opinion; your singing goes straight to my heart."
Elsie smiled and looked at her fan. Glynn felt almost irresistibly impelled to tell her how charming she was, but he did resist.