"I hope so," replied Miss Chyne. "Besides, you know my aunt, Lady
Cantourne. I live with her, you know."

"I know her slightly."

"Then take an opportunity of improving the acquaintanceship. She is
sitting under the ragged banner over there."

Millicent Chyne indicated the direction with a nod of the head, and
while he looked she took the opportunity of glancing hastily round
the room. She was seeking some one.

"Yes," said Oscard, "I see her, talking to an old gentleman who
looks like Voltaire. I shall give her a chance of recognising me
before the evening is out. I don't mind being snubbed if--"

He paused and steered neatly through a narrow place.

"If what?" she asked, when they were in swing again.

"If it means seeing you again," he answered bluntly--more bluntly
than she was accustomed to. But she liked it. It was a novelty
after the smaller change of ballroom compliments.

She was watching the door all the while.

Presently the music ceased and they made their way back to the spot
whence he had taken her. She led the way thither by an almost
imperceptible pressure of her fingers on his arm. There were