"Nay," said Nancy; "a woman does not wait to be married before her eyes undergo that change. As soon as she falls in love they become planets. For whereas, before that time, they go twinkle, twinkle, upon every pretty fellow who has the good taste to fall in love with her, as mine do when I look upon Lord Eardesley"--the young fellow blushed--"so after she is in love, they burn with a steady light upon the face of the man she loves, as mine do when I turn them upon Mr. Walsingham." She gazed with so exaggerated an ardour into the old beau's wrinkled and crows'-footed face, that the rest of us laughed. He, for his part, made a profound salute, and declared that the happiness of his life was now achieved, and that he had nothing left to live for. In the evening, a private ball was given in the Assembly Rooms by some of the gentlemen, Lord Chudleigh among the number, to a circle of the most distinguished ladies at the Wells. In right of my position as Queen, I opened the ball (of course with his lordship). Afterwards, I danced with Harry. When the country dances began, I danced again with Harry, who kept looking in my eyes and squeezing my hand in a ridiculous fashion. At first I set it down to rejoicing and fraternal affection. But he quickly undeceived me when the dance was over, for while we stood aside to let others have their turn, he began about the promise which we know of. "Little did I think, sweet Kitty," he said, with half-shut eyes, "that when I made that promise to bring you back into Kent, you would grow into so wonderful a beauty." "Well, Harry," I replied, "it was kindly meant of you, and I thank you for your promise--which I now return you." "You return me my promise?" he asked, as if surprised, whereas he ought most certainly to have considered what had been my country ignorance and my maidenly innocence when he gave me his promise. "Certainly," I said; "seeing that I am now under the protection of Mrs. Esther Pimpernel, and have no longer any need for your services." "My services?" as if still more surprised. I am convinced that he was only acting astonishment, because he must have known the truth had he reflected at all. "Why, Kitty, I do not understand. You are not surely going to throw me over?" Then I understood at last. "Harry," I said, "there has been, I fear, some mistake." "No," he replied; "no mistake--no mistake at all. How could there be a mistake? You promised that you would return with me, never to go away again." "Why, so I did. But, Harry, I never thought----" "You _must_ have known what I meant, Kitty! Do not pretend that you did not. Oh! you may open your eyes as wide as you like, but I shall believe it, nevertheless." "You have made a great mistake," I said; "that is very certain. Now let us have no more talk of such things, Harry."