But not for any consideration would Jewel have remained at home and left the field clear for Laurie to linger by the side of her rival. "I would not miss it for anything, and I know I shall be better presently," she said; and went back to the parlor and aroused Mrs. Wellings, who all this time had been dozing in her easy-chair, oblivious to all that had happened. The chaperon was sadly addicted to champagne with her dinner, and was prone to fall asleep afterward--a failing on which Jewel looked very complacently, since she did not have to be bored with the old woman's droning remarks. Having aroused her to a sense of the impending festivities, she hastily donned her warm cloak, and all three went out to the elegant sleigh which was in readiness to convey them over the glittering crust of snow to the grand entertainment. CHAPTER XL. It was in a shady, flowery alcove, that must have been designed especially for lovers, that Lord Clive was sitting with Azalia Brooke, and by one of the strangest of chances Laurie Meredith was close by, unseen and unheard, yet within ear-shot of their talk. It could not have been very pleasant to him to listen to Azalia's lover pleading his cause with the lovely girl, yet that was what Jewel's betrothed was forced to hear as he lingered there unable to get away without attracting their notice. "I feared you would be angry if I followed you to America, yet I could not help it," Lord Clive said, plaintively, presently, and Azalia's voice answered gravely: "It seemed very useless. We should have been back in England in a few months." "A few months--an eternity!" exclaimed the earl. "Ah, how coldly you can speak of being away from me, while I was devoured by the pangs of jealousy lest some handsome American should win you from me." "That is all nonsense!" said Azalia Brooke, quite haughtily; and Laurie Meredith sighed heavily, and thought that he had judged rightly. She was proud of her ancient name, and scorned the Americans who could point to no long line of ancestry. "I am glad you think it is all nonsense, but you can't think how I have been hating these fellows over here, Miss Brooke. I had to come. And now that I'm here you won't send me away again as you did in London, will you? Oh, Azalia--" Passionate words followed, words of love and entreaty. Lord Clive could be quite eloquent on the subject which occupied his heart, and there was one but a few feet away who envied him the privilege of wooing sweet Azalia Brooke, one who was almost maddened by jealous pain. He listened intently for the girl's answer. It came low and sadly: "I hoped you had given up all hope of me!" "Never!" declared Lord Clive. "I told you last winter that it was useless--I have no love to give you," said the sweet, musical voice, very gently. "I will teach you to love me if you will only give me an opportunity!" protested Lord Clive.