Part 32 (2/2)

”I am solicitous for the name of all good women,” promptly explained Nell, who was rarely caught a-napping, ”or I would be unworthy of their s.e.x--I mean their friends.h.i.+p.”

The d.u.c.h.ess seemed satisfied with the explanation.

”Dear Beau, what do the cavaliers see in that horrid creature?” archly asked the d.u.c.h.ess, contemptuous of this liking of the stronger s.e.x.

”Alack-a-day, we men, you know,” replied Nell, boastfully, ”well--the best of us make mistakes in women.”

”Are you mistaken?” questioned Portsmouth, coyly.

”What?” laughed Nell, in high amus.e.m.e.nt. ”I love Nelly? Nay, d.u.c.h.ess,”

and her voice grew tender, ”I adore but one!”

”And she?” asked the hostess, encouraging the youth's apparently awakening pa.s.sion.

”How can you ask?” said Nell, with a deep sigh, looking adoringly into Portsmouth's eyes and almost embracing her.

”Do you not fear?” inquired Portsmouth, well pleased.

”Fear what?” questioned Nell.

”My wrath,” said Portsmouth.

”Nay, more, thy love!” sighed Nell, meaningly, a.s.suming a true lover's dejected visage.

”My love!” cried Portsmouth, curiously.

”Aye,” again sighed Nell, more deeply still; ”for it is hopeless.”

”Try,” said the d.u.c.h.ess, almost resting her head upon Nell's shoulder.

”I am doing my best,” said Nell, her eyes dancing through wistful lashes, as she embraced in earnest the d.u.c.h.ess's graceful figure and held it close.

”Do you find it hopeless?” asked Portsmouth, returning the embrace.

”Until you trust me,” replied Nell, sadly. She shook her curls, then fondly pleaded: ”Give me the secrets of your brain and heart, and then I'll know you love me.”

The hostess smiled and withdrew from the embrace. Nell stood the picture of forlorn and hopeless love.

”Nay,” laughed Portsmouth, consolingly, ”they would sink a s.h.i.+p.”

”One would not,” still pleaded Nell, determined at all odds to have the packet.

”One!” The d.u.c.h.ess's eyes fell unconsciously upon the papers which she had bewitched from the King and which lay so near her heart. She started first with fear; and then her countenance a.s.sumed a thoughtful cast.

There was no time now for delay. The papers must be sent immediately.

The King might return and retract. Many a battle, she knew, had been lost after it had been won.

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