He was not in a hurry.  He gave time to the first confusion to subside, and for people to get quiet in their places; in so far, that is, as comparative quiet might be predicated of any point of that gay evening.  Evening indeed!  The moon was riding high in the zenith; it was between twelve and one o’clock.  Rollo walked the floor, and Primrose, miserable and anxious, looked at him, and dared not say one word.  Would Hazel break friendship with her forever? and kindness with Rollo?  And how could Dane dare as he dared!

When supper was just about to be served, one of the attendants entered the room where the party was gathered, asking if Miss Kennedy was there.  A lady and gentleman wanted to see Miss Kennedy.  The message in due course of time worked round to the young lady.

‘Have you got any friends in these parts?’ said Josephine Powder laughing.  It was the way of the entertainment; nothing was said without laughing.

‘Must you go?’ said Stuart Nightingale.

‘Another trick of Kitty Fisher’s,’ said Wych Hazel.  ’That mysterious “lady and gentleman” again!  You know they sent my carriage away once.  O yes, I will go and see what mischief is on foot, and be back in a minute.’

The room where Rollo and Prim were waiting was down at one end of the hall; and, dimly lighted as it was, in comparison with the rest of the house, it seemed almost dark.  They could see her come down the hall, three or four gentlemen following; and she sending them back with laughing words and glances thrown over her shoulder.

‘Now stop just where you are,’ she said, turning round.  ’I go into the darkness alone, or the charm will be broken.’

And on she came with her airy tread, and was well in the room before she saw anybody, and a servant had shut the door.  Then the change on her face was pitiful to see.  In the excitement of the drive and other things that night, she had evidently forgotten for the time her new trouble.  It came back now on the instant, and for one quick moment she put up her hand to her forehead as if with sudden pain.  Then crossed both hands upon her breast, and looked down, and stood still.

Rollo quitted the room.  Primrose came to Wych Hazel’s side and threw her arms around her.

‘It’s only I, dear Hazel,’ she said in tones of mingled trouble and tenderness.

Miss Kennedy disengaged herself, not roughly but decidedly, holding Primrose off, and looking at her.

‘What is the matter?’ she said.  ‘Is Mr. Falkirk ill?’

‘No, dear.’

‘Who then?’ said Wych Hazel.  ’Prim, never kill people by degrees.’

’Nobody’s ill—­nobody!  There is nothing the matter with anybody, Hazel—­except you.  I’ve come to take care of you, dear.’

‘Did you?’ said the girl.  ’I think you want some one to take care of you, by your looks.  But I am rather too busy just now to read essays on sentiment,—­that can wait.’  She moved towards the door; but Primrose made a spring and caught her.