"Miss Rawcliffe you mean," replied Beppy. "Yes, I saw her come in. I did not tell you, because I fancied you had no longer any interest in her. But I begin to think you have not so completely shaken off your fetters as you imagined. If all is at an end, why should her presence trouble you?"
"I am not quite master of my feelings," he rejoined.
"So I perceive," said Beppy. She then added, in a good-natured tone: "Well, we have stayed here long enough. Let us go."
Much relieved by the proposal, the young man instantly arose, and offering her his arm, prepared to quit the room.
But, in making their way through the crowd, they were soon brought to a stand-still, and found themselves face to face with Constance.
By this time Atherton had recovered his self-possession, and bowed coldly, and his salutation was as distantly returned. Beppy, however, who had some little malice in her composition, rather enjoyed the situation, and not feeling inclined to put an end to it, immediately engaged Miss Rawcliffe in conversation, and left Atherton to Monica and Jemmy Dawson.
Fain would he have escaped, but he could not leave Beppy, who, indeed, did not relinquish her hold of his arm. Luckily, champagne was brought by the attendants, and everybody took a glass, as in duty bound.
Again the prince's health was drunk, and with as much enthusiasm as before, though Beppy only placed the glass to her lips.
"You have not done justice to the toast, Miss Byrom," cried a voice near her.
And turning, she perceived Colonel Townley, who had just entered the room with her father.