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220 having brought this about. Don't talk to Elsie about Lord Astar. She does not wish it. The day after to-morrow—no, to-morrow, for it's morning now—he will have gone out of our lives—for ever, I hope."

There was a rush of people returning from the supper room. Ina turned—"There is mamma," she said. Mrs. Valliant was on Blake's arm. It struck Frank as odd that Blake should devote himself to Elsie's mother. He went towards her, and Mrs. Valliant turned with faded coquetry to Blake.

"Here is Mr. Hallett come to give me news of my naughty daughter." She made a step towards Hallett. "Did you leave Elsie? And will you help me to find our fly? though I don't know what to do. It is so awkward. You see we came with the Prydes, and they won't want to go yet. Minnie is living on in hopes that the Prince will ask her to dance, but he has danced with none of the girls except my Elsie; he has been devoting himself to Lady Waveryng, which is quite natural, of course."

"My trap is at your service," said Blake, "if you would like to go back to your daughter. I am very sorry Miss Valliant was not well. I hope she is better."

"Thank you," said Hallett, stiffly; "Miss Valliant was only tired. I have got a fly here and I will take you home," he said to Mrs. Valliant. "Shall we go and find Miss Pryde, and explain that we are going? I believe that I was engaged to her for the dance before supper. I must make my apologies."

Mrs. Valliant took his arm, and Blake went up to Lady Horace. As they walked through the ball-room, Hallett said—

"Mrs. Valliant, I have got some news for you. Elsie has promised to be my wife."

Mrs. Valliant turned on him a bewildered face. "Lord Astar!" she gasped. "Lord Astar had asked her to marry him. I expected to hear that everything was settled."

"Lord Astar did not ask Elsie to marry him," Frank said sternly. "He meant nothing more than idle flirtation,