There was one chief idea present to every one, the Duchess must not be disturbed and the ball not for a second interrupted.
Grace was very long coming round, and then she owned herself too ill to stay.
Lady Lyons was found without much difficulty, and the two left the brilliant scene as soon as possible.
Young Powis said something about the catastrophe to Sir Albert, who was annoyed with him.
"How could I know she was going to faint?" he said; "she seemed all right: she wanted to go on."
"She has been very ill indeed for months, and, as I sent her the invitation, I felt bound to try and prevent her from doing herself harm."
"Oh, I did not know. She goes well enough, but she hangs back and makes herself heavy; my arm aches enough now. All the same I am very sorry. I could not think why you interfered."
"If it had not been you it would have been with somebody else," and Sir Albert sprang into a hansom and disappeared.
Lady Lyons only knew that Grace was over-fatigued; she knew nothing of her having fainted, and Grace herself was quite determined to say as little as possible. Were there not several other cards waiting, offering the same enjoyment?
In the manner a stupid woman sometimes has of vexing unintentionally, poor Lady Lyons contrived to offend her a good deal.