-vis, or overhear the remarks that
were made.

But Claudia, who, with the viscount, was standing very near, heard and
saw all. She saw Ishmael lead his shy young partner up to a place in the
set, exactly opposite to where Alfred Burghe with his partner, Miss
Tourneysee, stood. And she heard Mr. Burghe whisper to Miss Tourneysee:

"Excuse me; and permit me to lead you to a seat. The person who has just
taken the place opposite to us is not a proper associate even for me,
still less for you."

And she saw Miss Tourneysee's look of surprise and heard her low-toned
exclamation:

"Why, it is Mr. Worth! I have danced with him often!"

"I am sorry to hear it. I hope you will take the word of an officer and
a gentleman that he is not a respectable person, and by no means a
proper acquaintance for any lady."

"But why not?"

"Pardon me. I cannot tell you why not. It is not a story fit for your
ears. But I will tell your father. For I think the real position of the
fellow ought to be known. In the meantime, will you take my word for the
truth of what I have said, and permit me to lead you to a seat?"

"Certainly," said the young lady, trembling with distress.

"I regret exceedingly to deprive you of your dance; but you perceive
that there is no other vacant place."

"Oh, don't mention it! Find me a seat."

This low-toned conversation, every word of which had been overheard by
Claudia who, though in another set, stood nearly back to back with the
speaker, was entirely lost to Ishmael, who stood at the foot of the same
set with him, but was at a greater distance, and was besides quite
absorbed in the task of reassuring his timid schoolgirl companion.

Just as Burghe turned to lead his partner away, and Ishmael, attracted
by the movement, lifted his eyes to see the cause, Claudia gently drew
Lord Vincent after her, and going up to the retiring couple said:

"Miss Tourneysee, I beg your pardon; but will you and your partner do
myself and Lord Vincent the favor to exchange places with us? We
particularly desire to form a part of this set."

"Oh, certainly!" said the young lady, wondering, but rejoiced to find
that she should not be obliged to miss the dance.

They exchanged places accordingly; but as they still stood very near
together, Claudia heard him whisper to his partner:

"This evening I think I will speak to your father and some other
gentlemen and enlighten them as to who this fellow really is!"

Claudia