appendages of evening costume, I was deep in earnest meditation.
Reviewing in my own mind the various sensations I had experienced
since I had tasted that Eastern wine in Cellini's studio, I came to
the conclusion that he must have tried an experiment on me with some
foreign drug, of which he alone knew the properties. Why he should
do this I could not determine; but that he had done it I was
certain. Besides this, I felt sure that he personally exerted some
influence upon me--a soothing and calming influence I was forced to
admit--still, it could hardly be allowed to continue. To be under
the control, however slight, of one who was almost a stranger to me,
was, at the least, unnatural and unpleasant. I was bound to ask him
a few plain questions. And, supposing Mrs. Everard were to speak to
him about his being betrothed, and he were to deny it, and
afterwards were to turn round upon me and ask what authority I had
for making such a statement, what should I say? Convict myself of
falsehood? However, it was no use to puzzle over the solution of
this difficulty till it positively presented itself. At any rate, I
determined I would ask him frankly, face to face, for some
explanation of the strange emotions I had felt ever since meeting
him; and thus resolved, I waited patiently for the evening.




CHAPTER IV.

A DANCE AND A PROMISE.


Our little French friend, Madame Didier, was not a woman to do