He was about to answer the summons they seemed to convey, when Lord Henry Moorpark, looking exceedingly old and yellow by the light of the chandeliers, but gentlemanly and courtly as ever, rose from his seat and crossed to where Marie stood, entering into conversation, as in his sad and deferential way he seemed to have set himself to hover about in the presence of the woman he loved. "A very, very bright and pleasant party, my child," he said tenderly. "I hope you are enjoying it." "Oh, so much!" cried Marie, darting a grateful look in his eyes. For it was so noble and good of him, she told herself, and she felt that she quite loved the tender-hearted old nobleman for the generous way in which he had seemed to sink his lover's love in that of a guardian for a child. "Yes, it is bright and pleasant," continued Lord Henry; "but I feel very much out of place here, and as if I ought to be quietly sipping my glass of port at my club. How noble your sister looks, and how happy!" "Noble, indeed!" said Marie eagerly. "She is very handsome, and I hope she is happy." "Indeed, I hope so too, my child; but here comes some one else to take my place." For as he was speaking, Glen, who felt that if he did not make an effort he would have no further speech with Marie that night, was coming to her side, but only to be captured and carried off in another direction. "Then I need not go yet," said Lord Henry, who was watching the little comedy through his half-closed eyes, "unless I go and relieve guard, and set Captain Glen at liberty." "Oh, no, no!" whispered Marie, whose face betrayed her mortification. "It would look so particular.--Clotilde saw him coming to me," she added to herself, "and it was done in spite." "Perhaps it would," said Lord Henry quietly. "I like Captain Glen. He is very manly and handsome. The _beau ideal_, to me, of a soldier. I must know more of him, and of his amusing little friend yonder, who is pointing his moustaches and looking daggers in my direction. He is another admirer of yours, is he not, Marie?" "Oh, poor boy: it is ridiculous!" exclaimed Marie, half scornfully. "There is something very likeable about him, too, except when he is in his foolish fit." "His foolish fit?" said Lord Henry inquiringly. "Yes, and tries to talk nonsense. I was compelled to dismiss him, and forbid his coming near me unless he could talk sensibly." Fresh announcements were made from time to time, and then a servant approached Clotilde, who immediately began to pair off her guests for the supper. "Take in Marie, dear Lord Henry," she said as she came to where they were standing; and soon after, in passing, she said softly to Glen. "I shall reserve myself for you."