"I hope, however, you forgive me."

They had reached Mrs. Bellair's, and she only answered by a smile as she
sat down. A minute after, she was carried off by another partner, and
Mr. Percy took possession of the vacant place.

The evening passed on. At the end of it, Mr. Percy, shut up in his own
room, surprised himself in the midst of a reverie the subject of which
was Lucia Costello; he actually found himself comparing her with a
certain Lady Adeliza Weymouth, of whom he had been supposed to be
_épris_ the season before. But then Lady Adeliza had no particular claim
to beauty; she was "distinguished" and of a powerful family; as for
Lucia, on the other hand, she was----There! it was no use going off
into that question. A great deal more sense to go to bed.

Meantime Lucia, under Maurice's escort, was on her way home. They had
started, talking gaily enough, but before half the distance was passed
they grew silent.

After a long pause Maurice asked, "Are you very tired?"

Lucia's meditation had carried her so far away that she started at the
sound of his voice.

"Tired? oh, no! At least not very much."

"And you have enjoyed the day after all?"

"Pretty well. Not much, I think."