"Till then, good-bye," he said, stepping back, and raising his hat. "That poor girl looks frightfully ill," he thought, "as if she had not very long to live;" and he went on from this idea to think of Margaret. What a curious difference there was between the two sisters--the one so calm and sweet and so thoughtful, the other so restless and so frivolous. He kept his word, however, and found Grace in a flutter of spirits, a huge Peerage and the Morning Post in front of her. It was evident that there was some request trembling on her tongue, and that she was longing for the first conventional phrases to be over; the inquiries about Margaret were answered so indifferently, and Grace was all the time keeping a place in the Peerage open with a finger of her left hand. "Now, Sir Albert, I do want you to do something for me," she said, with more earnestness than she had yet shown. "If I can," he said, seriously. "Yes, you can if you will." "_Après?_" he asked. "The Duchess of Mallington is going to give a big 'at-home.' She is your aunt. She is also going to give a ball. Could you not get a card for Lady Lyons and for me to one or other?" "I think I could," he said; "she's a very dear old lady and I could ask her. She may refuse but I do not think she will." "Sir Albert, excuse the strength of my language, but you are a darling, there!" exclaimed Grace, laughing and colouring a little. "You do not know how I long to go to just one swell ball, to see it all. It is so dreary moving about in this big place and knowing not one single soul." "I am sure it must be," said Sir Albert, sympathetically; "it is very natural you should wish to see it all for yourself. I am afraid you will not enjoy it, but I think I can get you the invitation." "I am sure to enjoy it," and Grace clapped her hands with delight. "Do you not enjoy it?" "Not much now," he said; "I am very fond of certain people, and I find every one very kind. I like to meet pleasant people in moderation, but I do not go in for much gaiety." "Only think!" said Grace; "I have never in all my life been to a good, big ball, never!" "The novelty may amuse you certainly; the only thing is, that if you do not know many people it is very dull looking on and seeing others dancing and talking. If I am there I can take care of you and introduce some men to you at any rate." "You certainly are a most delightful friend," said Grace, enthusiastically, "and I really do not know how to thank you enough!" "It is a great pleasure doing anything for you, Miss Rivers. I think you know why!" "Oh, yes, indeed I do. It is for Margaret." "Did she tell you I met her accidentally? I got into her railway-carriage without knowing she was there." "She never told me," said Grace; "Mr. Stevens escorted her till all the changes and junctions and things were passed." "Who is Mr. Stevens?"