rse, was turning over her music.
There was a little hushed buzz of conversation which is not too loud to
permit the song to penetrate, and which indicates that things are going
well. Drake went to Nell and leaned over the tall back of her chair
without a word. When the song was finished, the countess went up to
Falconer and asked him to play. A footman brought the precious violin,
and Nell went to the piano and struck up the piece which they had
chosen. Conversation ceased, and every one prepared to listen with eager
anticipation.

Falconer may have played as well in his life, but he certainly never
played better. One could have heard a pin drop during the softer notes
of the exquisite music, so intense and almost breathless was the silence
of the rapt audience. When the last note had died away, the countess
went up to him.

"It is useless trying to thank you, Mr. Falconer," she said, "but if you
will play again----"

"Certainly," said Falconer. He turned to Nell. "What shall I play next?"
he asked, as if the choice must naturally rest with her.

She turned over the music and set up a Chopin, and he had placed the
violin in position, when the door opened, and Lady Luce swept slowly in.
She was superbly dressed, her neck and arms and hair were all a-glitter
with diamonds. Though she was rather pale, her face was perfectly
serene, and she smiled sweetly as she crossed the room.

Her entrance caused a surprise; the countess happened to be standing
with her back to the door, and did not see her come in; but she felt the
sudden silence and turned to ascertain the cause. For a moment she was
rooted to the spot, and the color left her face. It says much for her
aplomb that she did not cry out. Her confusion lasted only for a moment,
then she went toward Lady Luce with outstretched hand.

"I am so sorry to be so late," said Luce, in her sweetest tones, "but my
maid, who is a perfect tyrant, refused to dress me until I had
rested----"

"Your dinner?" almost gasped the countess.

"I had some sent up to my room," said Lady Luce sweetly.

She looked round. Drake stood by the piano, his face sternly set. Why
had she remained? What was she going to do? He glanced at Nell, and saw
that she had gone white, and that her eyes were fixed on Lady Luce. What
should he do?

Instinctively, he went to meet Luce, who was advancing with a placid
smile, and the ease of a woman who is at peace with all the world, and
sure of her welco