The Scotch and Irish girls warbled the sweetest snatches of song which Greenwood had ever heard; and then the French damsel rose and gave admirable imitations of Taglioni's, Ellsler's, and Duvernay's respective styles of dancing—throwing, however, into her movements and attitudes a wantonness which even the most exciting efforts of those _artistes_ never displayed. It was now nearly two in the morning; and Greenwood intimated to the Marquis his wish to retire. "Just as you please," replied the old voluptuary, who had drawn Kathleen upon his knee, and was toying with her as if they were unobserved: "but if you like to accept of a bed here, there is one at your service—and," he added, in a whisper, "you need not be separated from Malkhatoun." "Is your lordship in earnest?" asked Greenwood, also in a low tone, while joy flashed from his eyes. "Certainly I am," replied the Marquis. "Do you think that I brought you hither merely to tantalize you?" Greenwood smiled, and then redoubled his attentions towards the charming Georgian, who returned his smiles, and seemed to consider herself honoured by his caresses. On a signal from the Marquis, the Scotch, English, French, and Spanish girls withdrew. "One glass of wine in honour of those houris who have just left us!" cried the nobleman, who was already heated with frequent potations, and inflamed by the contiguity of his Hibernian mistress. "With pleasure," responded Greenwood. The toast was drunk; and then the Marquis whispered something to Greenwood, pointing at the same time to the door which opened into the bathing rooms. The member of Parliament nodded an enraptured assent. "There is a constant supply of hot water, kept ready for use," observed the nobleman. "Each room is provided with a marble bath; and vases of eau-de-cologne afford the means of cooling the water and imparting to it a delicious perfume at the same time. You will also find wines, fruits, and all species of delicate refreshments there; and adjoining each bath-room is a bed-chamber. With Malkhatoun as your companion, you may imagine yourself a Sultan in the privacy of his harem; and, remember, that no soul will intrude upon you in that joyous retreat." Greenwood presented his hand to Malkhatoun, and led her away in obedience to the nobleman's suggestion. The door by which they left the ante-room admitted them into a passage dimly lighted with a single lamp, and where several doors opened into the bathing apartments. Into one of those rooms Greenwood and the beautiful Georgian passed. Shortly afterwards the Marquis and Kathleen entered another. Here we must pause: we dare not penetrate farther into the mysteries of Holmesford House. CHAPTER CLXXIII. THE ADIEUX. Our narrative must now take a leap of several months. It was the middle of October.