“Oh, Congte, I did not know you were asked.”
“I go to St James’s Club to read papers and meet Gorillian Minister. He great friend Lady Ilminster—bring me and present me.”
“You dance this waltz with me,” said Bromley hurriedly to Constance.
She was pale and red by turns, and heard not what he said.
Touching her hand slightly, he repeated his observation.
With an effort she answered—
“Oh yes; of course, I remember.”
The music struck up in the distance, and the whole party left for a distant lawn dedicated to dancing.
A circle was formed. A band was stationed in a kiosk, and the first strains had just begun, when Lady Ilminster beckoned to Augustus.
“Do you know that Count Rabelais?”