Page 337 (1/2)

"I am so sorry to be so late," said Luce, in her sweetest tones, "but my

maid, who is a perfect tyrant, refused to dress asped the countess

"I had some sent up to my room," said Lady Luce sweetly

She looked round Drake stood by the piano, his face sternly set Why

had she relanced at Nell, and saw

that she had gone white, and that her eyes were fixed on Lady Luce What

should he do?

Instinctively, he went towith a placid

smile, and the ease of a woman who is at peace with all the world, and

sure of her welcoleford?" she said, as if this were their first

et here

to-night, though I wish that I could have arrived earlier But I a the music! Please don't let reeting one and

another, went and seated herself in a chair beside the duchess--and

opposite Nell at the piano There was a little buzz of conversation

round her, then she herself raised her fan as a sign for silence, and