"And here he comes," laughed Mortimer; adding softly, as the Prince came
up to claim his partner, "and here is some one even more
interesting--look."
Lady Chetwold followed the direction of his gaze and saw Adrien Leroy
advancing up the rose-decked room. As usual, his appearance created
something like a stir, for he was popular with men and women alike, and
no smart gathering seemed quite complete without him. But the young man
appeared totally unconscious of the interest he was evoking as he bent
over his hostess's hand with a murmured greeting, then turned to make
his bow to the Prince, who, as firm an admirer as the rest of Society,
had paused to exchange a word before the dance commenced.
Adrien sank on to the velvet lounge beside the Countess.
"Don't scold me, belle amie," he said in his soft tones; "lay the blame
on Mr. Paxhorn. I dined with him at the club. You know what Paxhorn
is--there was simply no getting away. But, now, have you saved me a
dance?"
"You do not deserve one," she said, all the irritation melting beneath
the magic of his smile and the music of his voice.
"It's a mercy," he retorted lightly, "that one does not get all one's
deserts in this world!"
"I saved you the next," she said, giving him her programme. "You see, I
am as foolishly forgiving as ever."
"You are gracious and sweet!" he murmured in her ear. "How could you
ever be otherwise?"
The soft phrase passed unreproved.
"You have been down to Barminster again?" she inquired.
"Yes," he replied, as he settled himself more comfortably.
"You have been very attentive to your father lately," she said a little
suspiciously; "I thought filial affection was not the Leroys' strong
point."
"Nor is it," he said with a laugh; "but it is business, my dear Eveline,
odious business, into which Jasper inveigles me."
"I thought Mr. Vermont was the new machine that was to save you
trouble?"
"Yes, that's what I thought," was the languid reply. "But one has to
turn the handle, even of machines. There are signatures, and leases, and
Heaven knows what besides."
"How is Lord Barminster?" she inquired.
"Splendid."
"Lady Constance also well?"--with the slightest tinge of restraint in
her voice.
"Yes," he answered indifferently; adding, "but you haven't asked after
'King Cole.'"