"Why not? We are beginning to feel ourselves again—thanks to Mr. Fullarton—and if we can't dance we must at all events eat. Nobody is going home. The Brownes talked of it, but Mr. Fullarton dissuaded them. He has such tact! I don't know what we should have done without him. He has quite won my heart; and such a handsome fellow! Irralie, he says he hasn't seen you yet; that was indeed what sent me to look for you. Come now, and be introduced before supper!"
"No!" cried the girl. "I have had Mr. Fullartons enough."
"But you will come to supper?"
"Not if you will let me off; and I do so want to be left alone, mother! If the rest of you can forget such a thing, I cannot. I was with him at the time. You were all prepared for it; it took me by surprise."
Mrs. Villiers had not thought of that. She was a good, ordinary soul, whose affections were superior to her insight; but she did feel with Irralie now.
