t from his eyes, and, with a sigh, he left her and went back
to his place in the orchestra.

The dance proceeded through all its graceful and intricate evolutions,
and even to the spectators in the gallery it was evident that Lady Luce
had stepped into the position of the belle of the ball. The excitement
of hope and fear, the gratification of vanity which sprang from her
consciousness that she was occupying the most prominent place as the
earl's partner, had given to her face the touch of warmth it needed to
make its beauty well-nigh perfect. Her lips were parted with a smile,
the blue eyes--ordinarily a trifle cold--were glowing, and the diamonds
sparkled fiercely on her heaving bosom.

Nell could not remove her eyes from her, but sat like a bird held by the
fascination of the serpent. She was blind to all else but those two--the
man she loved, the woman to whom she had surrendered him.

The time passed unheeded by her, and Falconer's voice sounded miles away
as he bent over her.

"Dick has sent up to say that we can go," he said. "There's no fear of
the lights now; indeed, the ball is nearly over. This is the last
dance."

Nell rose stiffly and wearily.

"I--I am glad," she said.

"You are tired, very tired," he said. "Will you let me give you my arm?"

He felt her hand tremble as she put it on his arm, and he looked down at
her anxiously.

"I wish I had taken you out of this before," he said remorsefully. "I
have spoken to you--asked you--once or twice; but--but you did not seem
to hear me. It is my fault. I ought to have insisted upon your going."

"No, no!" said Nell. "It is nothing. I am a little tired, and----Is it
late?"

"Yes," he said. "Most of the people are leaving. It has been a great
success. Is this the way?"

They had gone down the stairs leading to the lower hall, but here
Falconer hesitated doubtfully. This second hall led into the larger one,
through which the guests were passing.

Nell caught a glimpse of them, and shrank back.

"Not there," she said warningly. "There must be a door----"

"Ah, here it is!" he said; and he led her through an opening between
portiere curtains. They found themselves in a small conservatory, and
Falconer again stopped.

"It is very stupid!" he said apologetically.

"There may be an opening to the terrace," said Nell nervously; "once we
are outside----"

"Here we are, out in the open air."

Nell drew a long breath, and pushed the hair from her fo