"But there might be," he said, in his quiet voice; "to live with some one having a high aim must help one."
"It does not help me," said Grace, sharply, but with an accent of pain in her voice; throwing off any feeling weighing with her she added, in a laughing tone, "It gives me a crick in my neck."
She puzzled him. It was painful to him to see her so delicate and thinking of nothing but amusement, but he could not judge; and through the flippant tone broke so much real feeling that he knew she spoke much more lightly than she felt. She was Margaret's sister, and he would do his utmost for her amusement. Instead of leaving London as he had intended doing, he would remain and go to this ball and to others, and do his utmost to enable her to enjoy it.
The Duchess's card and the invitation were handed to Lady Lyons; and her first idea was that it was a mistake. Grace interposed.
"It is all right, Lady Lyons; of course the Duchess could not ask me without you, and I know some of her family."
Lady Lyons was most deeply impressed.
"My dear! I never was in the same room with a duchess before; it is very delightful."
"l do not suppose she is different from other people," said Grace, indifferently.
"I hope it is not a case of a new gown—I really cannot afford it," and Lady Lyons looked really troubled.
"As I am dragging you to the party, I will find the gown," said Grace, laughing; "leave it to me."