"Miss Dane," asked Mr. Ingelow, very earnestly, "would you accept that
old man if he asked you?"

"My dear Mr. Ingelow, what a dreadfully point-blank question! So very
embarrassing! I thought you knew better!"

"I beg your pardon. But, Miss Dane, as a sincere friend, may I ask an
answer?"

"Well, then, as a friend, I can't say for certain, but I am afraid--I am
very much afraid I would say--"

"Miss Dane, permit me!" exclaimed a voice at her elbow--"Sir Roger
Trajenna, Miss Dane."

Miss Dane turned calmly round to her hostess and _the_ guest of the
evening, and graciously received the venerable baronet's profound bow.
At the same instant the music of a waltz struck up, to the jealous
artist's infinite relief.

"Now, then, Miss Dane, if you are ready," said Mr. Ingelow, rather
imperiously.

"Excuse me, Mr. Ingelow," replied Miss Dane, with infinite calm; "I am
really too much fatigued for this waltz. Sir Roger, some one is singing
yonder. I should like to hear him."

And under Mr. Ingelow's angry eyes, she took the enraptured old
baronet's arm and walked away.