Beyond the Rocks

"Hector! Crow, leave me with him, like the dear you always are," she

whispered to Colonel Lowerby, "and come and find me again in a few

minutes."

"Hector, what is it?" she asked, anxiously, when they stood alone.

"Look!" said Lord Bracondale. "Look at Wensleydown leaning over

Theodora." He was so moved that he uttered the name without being aware

of it. "Did you ever see such a damned cad as he is? Good God, I cannot

bear it!"

"He--he is only dancing with her," said Anne, soothingly. What had come

to her brother, her whimsical, cynical brother, who troubled not at all,

as a rule, over anything in the world?

"Only dancing with her! I tell you I will not bear it. Where is the

Crow? Why did you send him off? I can't stay with you; I must go and

speak to her, and take her away from this."

"Hector, for Heaven's sake do not be so mad," said Lady Anningford, now

really alarmed. "You can't go up and seize a woman from her partner in

the middle of a waltz. You must be completely crazy! Dear boy, let us

stay here by the door until the music finishes, and then I will speak to

her before they can leave the room to sit out."

She put her hand on his arm to detain him, and started to feel how it

trembled.

What passion was this? Surely the Crow was right, after all, and it

could only lead to some inevitable catastrophe. Anne's heart sank; the

lights and the splendor seemed all a gilded mockery.

At that moment Morella Winmarleigh advanced with Evermond Le

Mesurier--their uncle Evermond--who, having other views for his own

amusement, left her instantly at Anne's side and disappeared among the

crowd.

"How impossible to find any one in this crush!" Miss Winmarleigh said.

There was a cackly tone in her voice, especially when raised above the

din of the music, which was peculiarly irritating to sensitive ears.

Hector felt he hated her.

Anne still kept her hand on his arm, and flight was hopeless.

Just then a Royalty passed with their hostess, and claimed Lady

Anningford's attention, so Hector was left sole guardian of Morella

Winmarleigh.

She cackled on about nothing, while his every sense was strained

watching Theodora, to see that she did not leave the room without his

knowledge.

She was whirling still in the maze of the waltz, and each time she

passed fresh waves of rage surged in Hector's breast, as he perceived

the way in which Lord Wensleydown held her.