She liked the fine sight. Lady Waveryng had been particularly nice to her, and so had Lady Stukeley. Mrs. Valliant exulted in the discomfiture of Lady Garfit, to whom it was quite evident that the Waveryngs had not taken a fancy, and though her enjoyment was considerably marred by Elsie's departure, and though she suffered some qualms of doubt and disappointment thereat, especially as Lord Astar had taken no notice of her beyond the first greeting, she was of a hopeful nature and accustomed to vagaries on the part of Elsie, and trusted that all would come right in the end.
She was at supper when Frank returned. Ina, who had been one of the privileged guests at the royal table, had got out before the general company, and he met her as he was looking for her mother.
"Mamma is in the supper-room," said she. "Tell me about Elsie."
She saw at once signs of emotion and elation on Frank's face.
"Ina," he said, "you must congratulate me. She wished everyone to know. She said she wanted them to know tonight."
A strange look came into Ina's face, an odd far-away look. He thought, at first that she had not quite taken in his meaning.
"She has said that she will marry me," he said simply. Ina drew a deep breath, and a faint colour came into her cheek, which had been very pale.
"Oh, Frank! Then it is settled?"
"Yes, it is settled; as far as anything can be settled. I told her that she should be free to break it off at any time, if she felt that she did not care for me enough. She is still free, of course. But she says she does not wish that, and that her promise is a binding one. Will you tell Horace, and anyone else that you please?"
"And Lord Astar?"
"Lord Astar!" Frank exclaimed passionately. "I have to thank Lord Astar," he added with some bitterness, "for
