"Why?" she asked laughing,--such a delicious little low laugh--"Because I tell you the truth? You _are_ young and you _are_ good-looking! Millionaires are generally such appalling creatures. Fortune, while giving them money, frequently deprives them of both brains and personal attractiveness. And now do tell me about your book!" She seemed to have suddenly dispensed with her former reserve, and during the last act of the play, we conversed freely, in whispers which assisted us to become almost confidential. Her manner to me now was full of grace and charm, and the fascination she exerted over my senses became complete. The performance over, we all left the box together, and as Lucio was still apparently engrossed with Lord Elton I had the satisfaction of escorting Lady Sibyl to her carriage. When her father joined her, Lucio and I both stood together looking in at the window of the brougham, and the Earl, getting hold of my hand shook it up and down with boisterous friendliness. "Come and dine,--come and dine!" he spluttered excitedly; "Come--let me see,--this is Tuesday--come on Thursday. Short notice and no ceremony! My wife is paralysed I'm sorry to say,--she can't receive,--she can only see a few people now and then when she is in the humour,--her sister keeps house and does the honours,--Aunt Charlotte, eh Sibyl?--ha-ha-ha! The Deceased Wife's Sister's Bill would never be any use to me, for if my wife were to die I shouldn't be anxious to marry Miss Charlotte Fitzroy! Ha ha ha! A perfectly unapproachable woman sir!--a model,--ha ha! Come and dine with us, Mr Tempest,--Lucio, you bring him along with you, eh? We've got a young lady staying with us,--an American, dollars, accent and all,--and by Jove I believe she wants to marry me ha ha ha! and is waiting for Lady Elton to go to a better world first, ha ha! Come along--come and see the little American, eh? Thursday shall it be?" Over the fair features of Lady Sibyl there passed a faint shadow of annoyance at her father's allusion to the "little American," but she said nothing. Only her looks appeared to question our intentions as well as to persuade our wills, and she seemed satisfied when we both accepted the invitation given. Another apoplectic chuckle from the Earl and a couple of handshakes,--a slight graceful bow from her lovely ladyship, as we raised our hats in farewell, and the Elton equipage rolled away, leaving us to enter our own vehicle, which amid the officious roarings of street-boys and policemen had just managed to draw up in front of the theatre. As we drove off, Lucio peered inquisitively at me--I could see the steely glitter of his fine eyes in the semi-darkness of the brougham,--and said-- "Well?" I was silent. "Don't you admire her?" he went on--"I must confess she is cold,--a very chilly vestal indeed,--but snow often covers volcanoes! She has good features, and a naturally clear complexion."