The young girl’s cheeks kindled to a flame as she laid her daintily gloved hand in his, and remembered that this handsome stranger, whose name she had not known until this moment, had held her in his arms, and so close to his bosom that she had felt the beating of his great heart.
Wilbur noted her rich color, and the shy drooping of her white lids; he noted, too, the lingering look of admiration which the young man bent upon her, and a great pain smote his heart—a fear that trouble, and disaster to his hopes, would follow this introduction.
Mr. Dredmond was invited to a seat by Isabel, and instantly monopolized by her, while Mrs. Coolidge, much elated at the turn events were taking, took care that Wilbur did not resume his position near the governess, but kept him busy answering questions till the opera was over.
Miss Isabel intended that Mr. Dredmond should attend her to the carriage, but, by some means, in leaving the box, they became separated, he standing at the entrance until all had passed out.
Brownie being the last one, he offered her his arm to conduct her through the crowd.
She could not refuse without seeming rude, yet she was keen enough to perceive that the attention would call down the dire displeasure of her employer upon her head.
In the lobby they encountered an old gentleman and lady. In an instant the gaze of the former became riveted upon Miss Douglas.
He stopped in her path.
His face grew ghastly white, his lips twitched nervously, and he breathed as if terribly agitated.
Brownie lifted her eyes, and was startled at his appearance. It seemed to her as if she was confronting a madman. He bent toward her until his quick breath smote her cheek. He did not seem to notice her companion; all his faculties were concentrated upon the startled girl.