"Because he was so friendly?" asked Nell innocently.
The old lady drew herself up.
"No, Miss Lorton. The Anglefords were always friendly to their old
servants, because they know that we shouldn't take advantage of it and
forget our proper places. No, but because he was so changed. He used to
be so bright and--and boyish, as one may say, with all respect; but now
he's as grave as grave can be--almost stern-looking, so to speak--and
there's gray hairs at his temples, and he's a way of looking beyond you
in a sad sort of fashion. His lordship's had some trouble, I know. I
said so to his man, but he wouldn't say anything. He hasn't been with
the earl for some time, and mightn't know----There's the music; and,
hark; I can hear them moving into the ballroom. We'd better be going up
to the gallery; and I do hope you will enjoy yourself, Miss Lorton."
Nell followed the old lady into the small gallery, where some chairs had
been placed for the servants, behind the musicians. She saw Falconer in
front, his whole soul absorbed in his business; but he turned his eyes
as she entered, and smiled for a moment.
"Can you see?" asked Mrs. Hawksley. "Go a little nearer to the front.
Make room for Miss Lorton, please."
Nell shook her head.
"I can see very well," she said, also in a whisper, for she did not want
to be seen.
She craned forward and looked down on the brilliant, glittering crowd.
The lights of which Dick was so proud dazzled her for a moment or two;
but presently her eyes became accustomed to them, and she recognized
Lady Angleford, the Wolfers, and others. Lady Angleford was in black
satin and lace, and, at Drake's request, had put on the family diamonds.
"You are right, Mrs. Hawksley," said Nell. "They are magnificent. What a
lovely scene!"
"I am glad you are pleased, Miss Lorton," responded the old lady, as if
she had got up the whole show for Nell's sole benefit. "I am looking for
the earl, to point him out to you; but I don't see him. He must be under
the gallery at this moment. Ah! yes; here he comes. Now, quick! lean
forward. There! that tall gentleman with the fair lady on his arm. Lean
forward a little more, and you will see him quite plainly. The lady's in
a kind of pale mauve silk----"
Nell leaned forward with all a girl's eager curiosity; then she uttered
a faint cry, and drew back. The couple Mrs. Hawksley had pointed out
were Drake and Lady Luce. Drake!