Poor little girl, she was practically most ignorant; she knew less than nothing of the world and its ways; she had no idea of the danger there might be to her in what, to a thorough-going man of the world like Beauchamp Chancellor, was but an hour's pleasant and allowable pastime. There was one sharp pair of eyes in the room, however, quite as sharp and probably less spiteful than if they had been light grey. What would have become of Eugenia's vaguely beautiful visions had she overheard some part of a little conversation between her hero and Miss Eyrecourt towards the close of the evening! They were sitting near each other, and there was no one close enough to overhear the remarks that passed between them, which, however, were not many, for Beauchamp's sulkiness had returned when he found himself beside Roma again, and she, though as imperturbably good-tempered as ever, was irritatingly impenitent. Suddenly Miss Eyrecourt's tone changed. "Beauchamp," she said, and her voice told him he was intended to give his attention to what she had to say. "Well, Miss Eyrecourt, I am waiting for your remarks," he said, snappishly. "Don't be cross. It _is_ so silly," she began. "Is that all you have to say to me, Roma?" "No, it isn't. This is what I want to say--you have danced several times with that little Miss Laurence, Beauchamp." Captain Chancellor's manner changed instantly. He became quite brisk and amiable. "She is extremely pretty." "And dances charmingly," added the gentleman. "I daresay she does," said Roma, with perfect composure, "but it isn't only her dancing. You have _sat out_ some dances with her too." "She is exceedingly nice to talk to," observed he. "I daresay she is," said Roma again; "but for all that, Beauchamp--you may trust me, I don't speak without reason, and you mustn't mind my saying it. I do hope you are not going to be silly?" Beauchamp smiled--a smile that said several things, all of which, however, were perfectly intelligible to his companion. "Ah yes," she said philosophically--"ah, yes, sir, you may smile and look contemptuous. I understand you. I understand why you looked so delighted just now when I began to speak about the girl--really, I did not think you could be so silly as _that_, and certainly you have one defence at your command! It is not the first, nor, I dare say, the twentieth little amusement of the kind you have indulged in. You are perfectly aware of the rules of the game, and in a general way, uncommonly well able to take care of yourself. But allow me to warn you that _some_ day you may burn your own fingers. You think they are fire-proof? They are no such thing. You are just in the humour and at the stage to do something silly." "You think so?" he said. "Very well. Wait till you see me again, and then you shall see if you were right."