"Let me tell you," he said, imploringly, "how this has happened--how innocent we all are--"
"Another time, if you please," she said, with a most cutting calm. "As I said before, it is late. If I had been equal to entertaining you"--she looked round upon them all--"I should not have told my butler to make my excuses. As it is, I must beg you to allow me to bid you good-night. Jacob, will you kindly get the Duchess her cloak? Good-night. Good-night. As you see"--she pointed to the sticks which supported her--"I have no hands to-night. My infirmities have need of them."
Montresor approached her again, in real and deep distress.
"Dear Lady Henry--"
"Go!" she said, under her breath, looking him in the eyes, and he turned and went without a word. So did the Duchess, whimpering, her hand in Delafield's arm. As she passed Julie, who stood as though turned to stone, she made a little swaying movement towards her.
"Dear Julie!" she cried, imploringly.
But Lady Henry turned.
"You will have every opportunity to-morrow," she said. "As far as I am concerned, Miss Le Breton will have no engagements."
Lord Lackington quietly said, "Good-night, Lady Henry," and, without offering to shake hands, walked past her. As he came to the spot where Julie Le Breton stood, that lady made a sudden, impetuous movement towards him. Strange words were on her lips, a strange expression in her eyes.
"You must help me," she said, brokenly. "It is my right!"