CHAPTER IV.
The dinner at the Castle was even gayer than usual. The party was small, but so much the better; the circle came more under the immediate influence of the hostess, and no one could be more agreeable than Lady Rotheles when she chose.
The duke, though upwards of sixty, was an agreeable man of the world; and Mary Granard was too young and lovely not to attract a professed admirer of beauty.
Lord Allerton was seated next Miss Aubrey, who gave him sweet words and sweeter looks. Henrietta had seen much of society, and was a lively and pleasant talker; her companion wanted to be amused, and was almost surprised to find conversation so easy. He was, more than he would himself have allowed, under the influence of pique, and this gave its own charm to what ever was the most opposed to Mary Granard. Once he caught sight, as the gold racing-cups were being moved, of Mary's face; it was turned towards the duke with an expression of interest, and a smile the sweeter for its very timidity.
His grace piqued himself on always being able to
