“I returned from New York by the evening train, and, late as it was, I concluded to dress and come to the ball. I have seen my hostess, who has kindly forgiven my tardiness, and my next thought was to find you. I was in the act of seeking you in the supper-room when you unexpectedly appeared before me, solitary and alone.” “I was _so_ glad to see you,” she said, with the unconscious simplicity a child might have shown. He took her words as naturally as they were uttered, and said simply: “How did you happen to be alone?” “Oh, Lord Waring was with me,” she said, suddenly, remembering her errant knight. “He went to get me some water. I wonder where he is.” At this moment Lord Waring appeared at the door of the conservatory, glass in hand. Margaret hurriedly made her apologies, explaining her having caught sight of Mr. Gaston unexpectedly, his recent return from New York, etc. His lordship accepted her explanation in good part, and when Margaret had drunk the water rather eagerly he went off to return the glass, saying he would see her again. He had scarcely disappeared when Gaston and Margaret, going out into the hall, saw Mrs. Vere and Alan Decourcy coming toward them. Gaston suddenly stood still, detaining his companion by a slight pressure of the arm, and said, hurriedly: “It is just possible that Mrs. Vere may ask you to join a theatre-party she is getting up for to-morrow evening. Forgive me if I take the liberty of suggesting that you shall decline if she should do so. Make an engagement to go with me instead, and just excuse yourself on the plea of a previous engagement. I hope you will pardon my venturing to advise you.” “Certainly,” said Margaret; “but she will not ask me. I do not know her.” Mrs. Vere, however, was coming straight toward them, and she now stopped in front of them, and giving Louis a tap with her fan, said: “Present me to Miss Trevennon,” and when Gaston had complied, she went on in a rather boisterous tone: “I’ve been teasing your cousin to present me to you all the evening, Miss Trevennon; but I suppose he wanted the monopoly of you, for he would not even bring me into your neighborhood.” “It may have been that he wanted the monopoly of yourself,” said Gaston, looking at her keenly and speaking in his quietest tones. “Well, it’s more than you’ll ever want, then!” said Mrs. Vere, pertly; “so you can just keep yourself out of the matter.” “I have every intention of doing so, madam,” said Gaston, gravely. “I know my place, and I value my peace of mind.” Mrs. Vere flashed a quick, vindictive glance at him, as he uttered these quiet words, and then turning to Margaret, she said: “I want to ask you to join a little theatre-party I am giving to-morrow evening, Miss Trevennon. There will be eight of us, and we are going to see _As You Like It_, and have a little supper at my house afterward. Now don’t say you have any other engagement.”