Suddenly, as he was leading her across the room to Madame Davilliers, he felt her start and press his arm, a movement which he attributed to Vincent's approach.
"You have not granted me a waltz yet, Miss Lambert; may I have the next?" said the American.
"I am engaged for the next."
"Indeed! to Mr. Glynn? He has been so highly favored that I think he might permit a change of partners, as I am obliged to leave almost immediately, and shall not see you again for some time. I start by the early mail for Bordeaux to-morrow, or rather this morning."
"I have less benevolence than you credit me with," Glynn haughtily. "I am not disposed to forego an iota of my temporary right."
"What would your father say to your desertion of your old friend for a new acquaintance?" asked Vincent with an unpleasant laugh.
To Glynn's surprise Elsie made a slight movement as if to withdraw her arm. Glynn held it tightly against his side.
"I have not deserted you, Mr. Vincent," she said quietly, as if recovering her first impulse to leave Glynn, "for I was not engaged to you."
"Perhaps not; we will discuss that point when we meet next," returned Vincent with insolent assurance. "Meantime au revoir, Miss Lambert. Good-bye, Mr. Glynn; I don't suppose I shall see you again." He made a sort of defiant bow and turned away.
"Come and sit down in the ante-room," said Glynn, "it is cool and quiet; that brute has disturbed you." Miss Lambert silently accepted the suggestion, and as a new dance proceeded they were soon alone.