"It is so provoking," murmured Mrs. Arnold, as she noted the infatuation her mother possessed for a certain baronet of a distinguished Yorkshire family.
"I've set my mind upon Hubert, and mamma must yield. As for Madge, she is out of the matter entirely."
As if in answer to her thoughts the young man was soon at her side looking quite interesting.
"You naughty boy; I am inclined to be angry with you—not one dance have you sought."
"From the very fact that I cannot have one. Ah, Mrs. Arnold, you well know how to amuse yourself at the expense of us poor unfortunates," said Mr. Tracy, glancing at the tablet already filled for every dance.
"I have a mind to cancel this," said he, pointing to that of the
Yorkshire baronet.
"No, indeed, Mr. Tracy; that would be pleasure at too great a sacrifice. I have a motive for entertaining the baronet."
Mrs. Arnold smiled one of her peculiarly attractive smiles, significant of the part she was to enact.
She whispered a few well-directed, words into the young man's ear, and taking his arm led him to the conservatory.
"I can only stay a couple of minutes at the least, so I wish you to be all attention."