CHAPTER XIII.
“FIRST IN TIME, FIRST BY RIGHT!”
Everet Mapleson advanced toward the young couple with all the assurance imaginable.
He nodded indifferently to Geoffrey, simply saying, in a patronizing tone:
“How are you, Huntress?” and then turned to Gladys with his most alluring smile. “The signal for dancing has been given, Miss Huntress; may I have the pleasure of doing the opening set with you?”
Gladys’ cheeks were very red, for she resented his manner toward Geoffrey. What right had he to assume such insolent superiority over him, who she knew possessed by far the nobler nature of the two.
But she said politely, though with a little secret feeling of triumph in refusing him:
“You are a trifle late, Mr. Mapleson, as I have already promised the first dance; but if you will come to me later, you shall write your name upon my card.”
The young man frowned slightly, for he could never endure to have his wishes denied, but he was obliged to bow acquiescence, and turned away to seek a partner elsewhere.
But he managed to station himself where he could watch the young couple incessantly, and not a movement, not a smile or glance escaped him.
“They love each other,” he muttered, “at least he loves her, and it would not take much to make them acknowledged lovers. I shall be both watchful and diligent. I wish I knew the secret of the fellow’s life. It can’t be possible that he is anything to our family, and yet I am dusedly annoyed by the mystery.”