“She laughed a silvery, wicked laugh, and fixing her bold black eyes upon me, said, in an exasperated way:
“Pardon me, Miss Douglas, but I do not believe Lord Dunforth, who is very arbitrary when once his will is aroused, will permit his betrothed to dance with any one who bears the reputation which Count de Lussan bears.’
“‘But your own brother introduced me to him, Miss Capel!’ I exclaimed, indignantly.
“‘Charles? I’m astonished at him; but I presume the count asked him, and he did not like to refuse. Why, he is a notorious blackleg, and how he ever gained admission here, is more than I can tell.’
“I was startled at this intelligence, but I would not show it before her, nor yield one iota; and looking up at that moment, I saw Lord Dunforth and Count de Lussan both approaching me.
“Miss Capel remained by my side, evidently desirous of seeing the little game played out.
“The count reached me first, and bowing low, offered me his arm, saying his turn had come.
“I glanced nervously into my lover’s face as I hesitatingly took the count’s arm, fearing that all was not right, and my heart stood still, as I noted its expression of blank dismay and stern displeasure.
“He hastened forward, and taking my card, hastily scanned the names upon it, and his brow grew dark with wrath, as he read Count de Lussan’s against a waltz.
“Bowing haughtily to my companion, he said, with compressed lips: