“Have some tea!” said Scott.

“Thanks!” Sir Eustace sat down on the edge of the table, facing his sister and Dinah.  “You’re not going to let me down, now are you?” he said.  “I’m counting on that dance, and I haven’t enjoyed myself at all since I saw you last.  That girl is machine-made.  There isn’t a flaw in her.  She’s been turned out of a mould; I’m certain of it.  Miss Bathurst, why are you laughing?”

“Because I’m pleased,” said Dinah.

“Pleased?  I thought you’d be sorry for me.  You’re going to take pity on me anyway, I hope.  The beautiful automaton has gone back to her band-box for the night, so we can enjoy ourselves quite unhindered.  Is that for me?  Thanks, Biddy!  I’m needing refreshment badly.”

“You would have preferred coffee,” observed Isabel.

It was the first time she had spoken since his entrance.  He gave her a keen, intent look.  “Oh, this’ll do, thanks,” he said.  “It is all nectar to-night.  Why haven’t you been down to the ballroom, Isabel?  You would have enjoyed it.”

Her lips twisted a little.  “I have been listening to the music upstairs,” she said.

“You ought to have come down,” he said imperiously.  “I shall expect you next time.”  His hand inadvertently touched the box on the table and he looked sharply downwards.  “Here, Biddy!  Take this thing away!” he ordered with a frown.

Isabel leaned swiftly forward.  “Give it to me!” she said.

His hand closed upon it.  “No.  Let Biddy take it!”

“Let me!” said Dinah suddenly, and sprang to her feet.

She took it from him before he had time to protest, and gave it forthwith into Isabel’s outstretched hands.

Eustace took up his cup in heavy silence, and drained it.

Then he rose.  “Come along, Miss Bathurst!”

But Dinah remained seated.  “I am very sorry,” she said.  “But I can’t.”

“Oh, nonsense!” He smiled very suddenly and winningly upon her.  “Surely you won’t disappoint me!”

She shook her head.  Her eyes were wistful.  “I’m disappointing myself quite as much.  But I mustn’t.  The Colonel has gone to bed with dyspepsia, and Lady Grace and Rose have gone too by this time.  I can’t come down again.”

“Nonsense!” he said again.  “You want to.  You know you do.  No one pays any attention to Mrs. Grundy out here.  She simply doesn’t exist.  Scott can come and play propriety.  He’s staid enough to chaperon a whole girls’ school.”

“Thanks, old chap,” said Scott.  “But I’m not coming down again, either.”

Eustace looked over his head.  “Then you must, Isabel.  Come along!  Just to oblige Miss Bathurst!  It won’t hurt you to sit in a safe corner for one dance.”

Isabel looked up at him with a startled expression, as of one trapped.  “Oh, don’t ask me!” she said.  “I couldn’t!”

“No, don’t!” said Dinah.  “It isn’t, fair to bother anyone else on my account!  I’m dreadfully sorry to have to refuse.  But—­in any case—­I ought not to come.”