answered, smiling; "but, yonder are the musicians, waiting to sooth us
with the melody of sweet sounds; we are all prepared for a dance, and
here is my hand, if you will look a little more in the dancing mood,--if
not, I can choose another."

"Do as you like," said De Valette, carelessly; "strangers are often
preferred before tried friends."

"Yes, when tried friends look coldly on us," said Luciè, "as you do
now,--so, fare thee well; there is a plump damsel, with an eye like
Juno's, I commend her to thee for a partner."

She turned quickly from him, and speaking a few words to Stanhope, they
joined the dancers together. De Valette remained standing a few moments
in moody silence; but the exhilarating strains of the violin proved as
irresistible as the blast of Oberon's horn, and, selecting a pretty
maiden, he mingled in the dance, and was soon again the gayest of the
gay.




CHAPTER VII.

I deem'd that time, I deem'd that pride
Had quench'd at length my boyish flame;
Nor knew, till seated by thy side,
My heart in all, save hope, the same

LORD BYRON.