"
"To continue the allegory, Prince," she answered, passing on to
the next table, "also with poisonous berries. But to the hand
which has no fear, neither are harmful."
The Prince laid down his hand.
"Now I really believe," he said gently, "that she meant to be rude.
Partner, I declare hearts!"
Felix was standing out from the next table whilst his hand was
being played by General Dolinski, his partner. He drew her a
little on one side.
"Do not irritate Saxe Leinitzer," he whispered. "Remember,
everything must rest with him. Twice to-night you have brought
that smile to his lips, and I never see it without thinking of
unpleasant things."
"You are right," she answered; "but I hate him so. He and Muriel
Carey seem to have entered into some conspiracy to lead me on to
say things which I might regret."
"Saxe Leinitzer," he said, "has never forgotten that he once
aspired to be your lover."
"He has not failed to let me know it," she answered. "He has even
dared--ah!"
There was a sudden stir in the room. The library door was thrown
open. The solemn-visaged butler stood upon the threshold.
"His Grace the Duke of Souspennier!" he announced.
CHAPTER XVIII
There was for the moment a dead silence. The soft patter of cards
no longer fell upon the table. The eyes of every one were turned
upon the newcomers.
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