needed to be, for Sybil was not critical, she was
indeed scarcely observant of them. She was too deeply absorbed in
watching her adored husband and her abhorred rival, as, twined in each
other's embrace, they swam around and around in the dizzy waltz,
appearing, disappearing, and reappearing as they made the grand circle
of the saloon.

At first they did not see Sybil, entrenched as she was behind her group
of admirers; but the moment that they did see her--and Sybil knew that
very moment--they modified their manners towards each other. And again
Sybil was more disgusted than pleased at what she thought confirmed her
worst suspicions of them.

At length the waltz was over. Lyon Berners led his fair partner to a
seat, left her there and came to speak to his wife. But it was not until
her group of admirers had separated to go in search of partners for the
ensuing quadrille, that he had an opportunity of speaking to her
privately.

"How are you enjoying yourself?" he inquired, on general principles.

"I am looking on. I am really interested in all these fooleries,"
answered Sybil evasively, but truly.

"Why were you not waltzing?"

"Why? Because I did not choose and could not have borne to have had my
waist encircled by any other man's arm than yours, Lyon," answered his
wife, very gravely.

"My darling Sybil, that comes of your old-fashioned notions and country
training; and it deprives you of giving and receiving much pleasure,"
answered Mr. Berners.

And before Sybil could reply to that, the Black Prince came up to claim
her promised hand in the quadrilles that were then forming.

Again, as she flashed like fire through and through the mazes of the
dance, her elegant figure, her graceful motions, and her dazzling,
flame-like dress was the general subject of enthusiastic admiration.

It was impossible but that some of this praise should reach the ears of
its object. And equally impossible that her own name should not be
coupled with it. So Sybil at length discovered that her identity was
known, to some persons certainly--to how many she could not even
conjecture.

Suddenly she resolved to try an experiment. She turned to her partner
and inquired:

"Do you know me?"

"Not until you permit me to do so, Madam," answered the Black Prince,
very courteously.

"Your reply was worthy of a knight and prince! So I permit you to
recognize me," said Sybil.

"Then you are our beautiful hostess; and I am happy to