"I protest, madam, you are too good-"
"Again, no. I have told you, I like a man to talk as a man and not as an affected woman. I shall be pleased to welcome you."
She curtsied and went away on the Viscount's arm.
At the same moment a voice at Richard's elbow drawled: "Do I see you at the vivacious widow's feet, my good Dick?"
Carstares turned to face his brother-in-law, Colonel Belmanoir.
"Is not all London?" he smiled.
"Oh, no! Not since the beautiful Gunnings' arrival. But I admit she is a dainty piece. And Lavinia? Will she break her heart, I wonder?"
He laughed beneath his breath as he saw Richard's eyes flash.
"I trust not," replied Carstares. "Are you all here to-night?"
"Our illustrious head is absent, I believe. Andrew is flirting with the Fletcher girl in the Blue Salon; I am here, and Lavinia is amusing herself with Lovelace. Yes, Richard, Lovelace! Be careful!" With another sneering laugh he walked on, bowing to Elizabeth Gunning, who passed by on the arm of her partner, his Grace of Hamilton, most palpably épris.
At that moment two late-comers entered the room and made their way towards their hostess, who appeared delighted to see them, especially the taller of the two, whose hand she slapped with good-humoured raillery. The shorter gentleman wore no mask, and the Colonel recognised Frank Fortescue. His eyes travelled to the other, who, unlike most of the men who only held their masks, had fastened his across his eyes, and they widened in surprise. The purple domino, worn carelessly open, revealed black satin encrusted with silver and diamonds. The natural hair was raven-black, the nostrils were pinched and the lips thin.
"The Devil!" ejaculated Robert, and strolled over to him.
Fortescue walked away when he saw who approached, and his Grace of Andover turned slowly towards his brother.
"I rather thought you were in Paris," yawned the colonel.
"I am always sorry to disillusion you," bowed his Grace.
"Not at all; I am transported with joy at seeing you. As is Lavinia, it appears."
Lady Lavinia, on recognising his Grace, had dropped her partner's hand and fled incontinent towards him.
"You, Tracy!" She clasped delighted hands on his arm.
"This is very touching," sneered Robert. "It only needs Andrew to complete the happy reunion. Pray excuse me!"
"With pleasure," replied the Duke gently, and bowed as if to a stranger.
"He grows tedious," he remarked, as soon as the Colonel was out of earshot.
"Oh, Bob! I take no account of him! But, Tracy, how is it you have come to-day? I thought-"