Page:Hope-indiscretions of duchess.djvu/46

34 and drew in her breath in a long “Oh!” It spoke utter amusement and delight. What would the duke make of it? He did not know what to make of it, and glared at her in angry bewilderment. Her quick wit saw the blunder she had been betrayed into. She said “Oh!” again, but this time it expressed nothing except a sense of insult and indignation.

“What’s that man here for?” she asked.

“Because I have engaged him to assist my household.”

“I had dismissed him,” she said haughtily.

“I must beg you to postpone the execution of your decree,” said he. “I have need of a servant, and I have no time to find another.”

“What need is there of another? Is not Lafleur here?” (She was playing her part well now.)

“Lafleur comes to-morrow; but he will not be enough.”

“Not enough—for you and me?”

“Our party will be larger to-morrow.”

“More surprises?” she asked, sinking back into her chair.

“If it be a surprise that I should invite my friends to my house,” he retorted.

“And that you should not consult your wife,” she said, with a smile.

He turned to me, bethinking himself, I suppose, that the conversation was not best suited for the ears of the groom.

“Go and join your fellow-servants; and see that you behave yourself this time.”

I bowed and was about to withdraw, when