Most of the excursionists were headed in that direction. Shuffles was with the earl's party, though, strangely enough, Sir William was not at the side of Lady Feodora. They seated themselves in the grand apartment, and gazed with interest at the brilliant scene before them.
"Where can Sir William be?" said Lady Blankville.
"I do not know, mother," replied Feodora, languidly, as though she did not care where he was.
"I haven't seen him these two hours."
"Nor I," added Feodora, in a tone which indicated that she did not wish to see him for two hours more.
"I will look for him, if you desire," suggested Shuffles.
"O, no! Do not trouble yourself," replied Feodora. "Perhaps he is looking at the play."
"Pray, do, if you please, Captain Shuffles," interposed the countess.
Lady Feodora was too dutiful a girl to object, and the commander went to the gambling-rooms. At the roulette table he found the baronet, playing with a zeal which indicated that this was not the first time he had indulged in the baneful game. He was not staking large sums, but he was losing about three out of four times that he put down his money.
"I beg your pardon, Sir William, but Lady Blankville is anxious to see you," whispered Shuffles in his ear.