"Even if I have mixed my metaphors, señorita, I assure you I have never
been more serious in my life," Don Carlos retorted. "May I call on you
to-morrow to convince you of that fact?"
"No, thank you, señor," answered Myra. "And if you are really in
earnest, I shall instruct the servants that I am never at home to Don
Carlos de Ruiz."
"You are cruel, dear lady, but I warn you I am not to be rebuffed,"
said Don Carlos. "Love will surely find a way."
The music ceased as he spoke, and Myra disengaged herself from his
encircling arm and darted away from him, glad to escape. She could not
have analysed her own feelings, and found herself at a loss to know how
to deal with the situation. To complain to Tony Standish seemed
futile. Tony, if she told him what had happened, would, of course, be
indignant and demand an explanation, and Myra felt sure in her own mind
he would come off second best if there was a scene and a personal
encounter.
"Sure, and is it frightened you are of the conceited Spaniard?" she
asked herself. "You've prided yourself on being a match for any man,
and being able to keep any ardent suitor at arm's length, and here you
are in a funk! It's ashamed of you I am, Myra Rostrevor!"
She did actually feel ashamed of herself for being so disturbed by Don
Carlos's extravagant words, and mentally decided she would snub him
severely at the first opportunity.
The opportunity presented itself sooner than she anticipated. Next
afternoon she strolled into her aunt's drawing room, and her heart gave
a queer little convulsive jump when she found Lady Fermanagh engaged in
animated conversation with Don Carlos.
"Myra, dear, I'm so glad you have come in," exclaimed her aunt. "Allow
me to introduce Don Carlos de Ruiz. Don Carlos, my niece, Miss Myra
Rostrevor."
Don Carlos was en his feet, and he bowed low smilingly.
"Miss Rostrevor and I have already been introduced, dear lady, but I
did not know the señorita was your niece," he said. "What a delightful
surprise! I had the honour of dancing with Miss Rostrevor last night
at Lady Trencrom's ball."
As on the previous night, Myra found herself somewhat at a loss. She
gave him her hand, and he bowed over it, holding it a moment longer
than necessary. At that moment a footman appeared at the drawing room
door.