Many minor matters helped to swell the list of his annoyances. Bellairs gave him the latest news from Newmarket, to the effect that his own horse had been beaten in the great race by a head. Sir Horace had it from the best authority that his nominee would lose his election. One neighbouring landowner in the West took him by the button-hole, to impart grievous suspicions of his lordship's steward, and another announced threatenings of disease amongst the sheep. Altogether, had it not been for the interview with his unknown charmer, promised by Katerfelto, he would have passed a sadly uncomfortable evening. This anticipation, however, was the drop that sweetened the whole cup, and when amongst the crowd he caught a glimpse of her graceful head and white shoulders, the world's malice, the minister's injunctions, the lost race, the dishonest steward, and the foot-rot in West Somerset, were alike obliterated and forgotten. He waited for some time, as directed, to accost her when alone. At last, her cavalier crossed the room on some errand of his own, and he found his opportunity. "Madam," he whispered, "this is the moment for which I have languished ever since I had the privilege of beholding your face. Do not deny me now the happiness of hearing your voice." She looked at him over her fan, with large eyes of astonishment, in which, nevertheless, his experience detected a gleam of gratified vanity and amusement. The fan was not withdrawn; the gloved-hand that held it was taper and well-shaped--the rounded arm, white and beautiful. For the hundredth time Lord Bellinger believed that for the _first_ time he was in love. Still she spoke not, and the moments were precious. Her cavalier would surely return without delay. "Only tell me, I implore you," continued his lordship, "when we shall meet again--where can I see you? Where can I write to you? In what way can I prove how ardently I long to cast myself at your feet--to serve you as the humblest of your slaves?" He spoke in an agitated whisper; not without its effect--a softer expression shone in her eyes, and she lowered her fan to reply. Alas, for the disillusion! instantaneous as it was complete! The beautiful face might only be beautiful while the lips were closed; when they parted for speech they discovered black and unsightly teeth, separated by gaps and cavities neither few nor far between. Quick as Lord Bellinger had been to fall in love, he was yet quicker to fall out. Ere a word could escape the lady, his cure had been effected, and with a dexterity that nothing but long practice could have ensured, he effected his retreat after a profound bow, a devoted glance, and a deep sigh. "You are watched," he whispered, "so I will take my leave. Do not forget me. Soon we shall meet again." Nevertheless he went home from Ranelagh feeling strongly at variance with the world in general, and himself in particular.