cedence of an envoy."

"My Lord," said she, firmly, "the very little which I can understand of
your words implies a pretension to knowledge and influence over me which
I disdain to accept; but still I cannot believe that you seriously mean
to insult me."

"Of course not," said he; "I have come on a very different errand. If I
did passingly allude to bygones, it was to show you that you can afford
to be candid when I am frank. We two, united, would walk over the
course, and no mistake, that 's what I was coming to. I don't mean to
say that the Russian is not richer egad! there 's no disputing that,
still, as to rank, a peer of Great Britain, I take it, is the equal of
any man. Not to remind you of the old adage about 'a bird in the hand' I
speak frankly, because you are your own mistress."

"Kate, if Lord Norwood will excuse you, come to me for one instant,"
cried Lady Hester.

"Just say yes, before you go, or, if not yes, tell me that I have ground
for hope," whispered Norwood. But she arose without speaking.

[Illustration: 484]

"I'll not stand a 'hedge,' by Jove!" said Norwood, sulkily; "play or
pay, nothing else for me."

"Allow me to pass you, my Lord," said Kate, courteously.

"One word, off or on, Miss Dalton," said he, rising, and affecting to
make way, while he still barred the passage. A proud, disdainful smile
was all the reply she vouchsafed.

"All right," said he, insolently; "only remember how we stand, Miss
Dalton, and whenever you want to repair the mischance of your lace
flounce, don't forget the piece is in my keeping;" and he opened the
pocket-book as he spoke, and exhibited the fragment before her. Sick
with a terror she could neither explain nor realize, she lay back again
in her chair, unable to move, while Norwood glided quietly away and left
the room.

"Dear Kate, have you forgotten me all this time?" said Lady Hester, whom
Kate now perceived was alone on the sofa, Midchekoff and Jekyl having
retired into an adjoining gallery, where they walked slowly along, side
by side, deep in conversation.

"You shouldn't have suffered Norwood to engross your attention in that
manner, my dear. The Prince has been quite put out by it, and at such a
moment, too, and how flushed you are! What has he been saying?"

"I can scarcely remember," said Kate, confusedly.

"Well, it's of no consequence, dear, because I have got something to
tell you that would speedily make you forget it. You know, Kate,