y'll never choose you while you look so forbidding,
though perhaps it is rather becoming. They have not the taste."

Eleonora said no more, but went over to the window where Raymond was
keeping his guard, with his old-fashioned sense of protection. She
had no sooner told him than he started into incredulous indignation,
in which he was joined by his wife who only wished him to dash
forward to prevent the scheme before he would believe it real.

However, when the ballot-box came his way, and a simpering youth
presented him with a card, begging for his opinion, he spoke so as
to be heard by all, "No, thank you, sir. I am requested by the
ladies present to state that such competition was never contemplated
by their committee and would be repugnant to all their sentiments.
They beg that the election may be at once dropped and the money
returned."

Mr. Charnock Poynsett had a weight that no one resisted. There was
a moment's silence, a little murmur, apologetic and remonstrant, but
the deed was done.

Only a clear voice, with the thrillings of disappointed vanity and
exultation scarcely disguised by a laugh, was heard saying, louder
than the owner knew, "Oh, of course Mr. Charnock Poynsett spoiled
sport. It would have been awkward between his wife and his old
flame."

"For shame, Gussie," hushed Mrs. Duncombe, "they'll hear."

"I don't care! Let them! Stuck-up people!"

Whoever heard, Cecil Charnock Poynsett did, and felt as if the
ground were giving way with her.

CHAPTER XXIV
The Lady Green Mantle

The night, just like the night before,
In terrors passed away,
Nor did the demons vanish thence
Before the dawn of day.--MOORE

The turmoil was over, the gains had been emptied into bags to be
counted at leisure, the relics of the sale left to be disposed of
through the Exchange and Mart. Terry, looking tired to death,
descended from his post as assistant showman; and, with some
gentlemen who were to dine at Compton Poynsett, Cecil drove home to
dress in haste, and act hostess to a large dinner-party. All the
time she felt giddy at the words she had heard--"Mr. Poynsett's old
flame." It was constantly ringing in her ears, and one conviction
was before her mind. Her cheeks burnt like fire, and when she
reached her own room at night, and leant from the window to cool
them, they only burnt the more.

Had she been wilfully deceived? had she been taking the counsel of a
jealous woman about h