“You are never in earnest.” “You think so; you will find I am in earnest in some things.” “_’Ow_ de do?” said Lady Coxe. The couple looked up at the new-comer—it was the Count. “Oh, Congte, I did not know you were asked.” “I go to St James’s Club to read papers and meet Gorillian Minister. He great friend Lady Ilminster—bring me and present me.” “You dance this waltz with me,” said Bromley hurriedly to Constance. She was pale and red by turns, and heard not what he said. Touching her hand slightly, he repeated his observation. With an effort she answered— “Oh yes; of course, I remember.” The music struck up in the distance, and the whole party left for a distant lawn dedicated to dancing. A circle was formed. A band was stationed in a kiosk, and the first strains had just begun, when Lady Ilminster beckoned to Augustus. “Do you know that Count Rabelais?” “A little.” “He is not a friend of yours?” “No, I cannot say he is.” “The Gorillian Minister brought him. I have asked Madame Carron to come and superintend some charades. She told me that an acquaintance of hers, Count Rabelais, was a capital actor, and I asked Don Marmosetto Uran y Babon to bring him. Now the Bushman Minister, who hates Don Marmosetto, tells me this Count is very disreputable.” “Well, it can’t be helped now he’s here. You had better set him at charades.” Augustus returned for his partner. There she was, twirling in the arms of the Count. “He has asked her to take a turn, but no. There they are stopping opposite, as though to avoid me. Shall I go and take her away, and kick the Count? No good.” The waltz was over, and Bromley, with entire self-possession, walked over to Constance. “You have disappointed me this time, Miss Coxe,” he said, good-naturedly. “Will you dance the next quadrille?” “Mademoiselle is already engaged to me,” grinned the Count. “Then perhaps the waltz after that.” Bromley looked steadily at the Count, in a manner the latter did not seem to admire. “Oh yes, yes,” almost screamed Constance, whose countenance during this scene had betrayed the emotion she underwent. Bromley, with a slight bow, turned away. He cannot, this time, deny his knowledge of her being engaged to me. He directed his steps to the room used as a theatre, which abutted on the garden. A verandah outside was covered in for a greenroom. The large oriel window was to serve as a stage. Entering the house by the ordinary doorway, he proceeded to the body of the theatre. He arranged a few of the ornaments, and then sat down to muse.