Part 46 (1/2)

'Why should she not stay?' said William. 'Claude has engaged to stay to the end of everything, and he may as well drive her as ride the gray.'

'And you, Jenny,' said Mr. Mohun, 'do you like to stay or go?

Alethea will make room for you in the pony-carriage, or you may go with Eleanor.

'With Eleanor, if you please,' said Jane.

'Already, Jane?' said Lily. 'Are you tired?'

Jane drew her aside. 'Tired of hearing that I was right about what you would not believe. Did you not hear what he called her? And Rotherwood has found it out.'

'It is all gossip and mistake,' said Lily.

Here Jane was called away by Eleanor, and departed with her; Lilias went to look for her aunt or Florence, but on the way was asked to dance by Mr. Carrington.

'I suppose I may congratulate you,' said he in one of the pauses in the quadrille.

Lily thought it best to misunderstand, and answered, 'Everything has gone off very well.'

'Very. Lord Rotherwood will be a popular man; but my congratulations refer to something nearer home. I think you owe us some thanks for having brought them into the neighbourhood.'

'Report is very kind in making arrangements,' said Lily, with something of Emily's haughty courtesy.

'I hope this is something more than report,' said her partner.

'Indeed, I believe not. I think I may safely say that it is at present quite unfounded,' said Lily,

Mr. Carrington, much surprised, said no more.

Lily did not believe the report sufficiently to be annoyed by it during the excitement and pleasure of the evening, and at present her princ.i.p.al vexation was caused by the rapid diminution of the company.

She and her brother were the very last to depart, even Florence had gone to bed, and Lady Rotherwood, looking exceedingly tired, kissed Lily at the foot of the stairs, pitied her for going home in an open carriage, and wished her good-night in a very weary tone.

'I should think you were the fiftieth lady I have handed across the hall,' said Lord Rotherwood, as he gave Lily his arm.

'But where were the fireworks, Rotherwood?'

'Countermanded long ago. We have had enough of them. Well, I am sorry it is over.'

'I am very glad it is so well over,' said Claude.

'Thanks to your exertions, Claude,' said the Marquis. 'You acted like a hero.'

'Like a dancing dervish you mean,' said Claude. 'It will suffice for my whole life.'

'I hope you are not quite exhausted.'

'No, thank you. I have turned over a new leaf.'

'Talking of new leaves,' said the Marquis, 'I always had a presentiment that Emily's government would come to a crisis to-day.'