"Please don't go up for a minute or two yet," he said. "We have wandered from the question."
"And the question is?"
"Lord Astar's obvious intention of making you a present which will probably take the form of an article of jewellery. Miss Valliant, I beseech you, for your own sake"
"Hush," she exclaimed passionately. "I don't want you to say anything more. I am old enough to take care of myself; and if not, I have others who have a better right to protect me."
"Very well. Forgive me for my presumption. I will not offend you again." He turned deliberately. "We had better go back now," he said, and conducted her to the stand, leaving her in her place beside Minnie Pryde with a ceremonious bow.
Elsie did not speak to him again that day. Lord Astar came back presently, and hardly quitted Elsie's side the rest of the day. When they got home, Minnie Pryde insisted on telling Mrs. Valliant of Elsie's conquest.
The silly woman was beside herself with delight. Elsie married to Lord Astar! Ina's marriage was as nothing in comparison. Why not? If the Prince admired Elsie, why should not Lord Astar marry her? She had been quite right in giving Frank Hallett an undecided answer—quite right in keeping that pushing handsome Mr. Blake and his less handsome and more pushing partner at a distance. Ah, Elsie was her pride and her joy! Elsie would yet be the glory of her old age.
The girl burst into a passionate fit of tears. "Oh, mother, mother!" she cried. "For pity's sake leave me alone, and expect nothing of me."
