Mrs. Emerson smiled her forgiveness, and the major became more polite and attentive than before.  But his attentions were not wholly agreeable.  Something in the expression of his eyes as he looked at her produced an unpleasant repulsion.  She was constantly remembering some of the cautions spoken by Hartley in reference to this man, and she wished scores of times that he would turn his attentions to some one else.  But the major seemed to have no eyes for any other lady in the room.

In spite of the innate repulsion to which we have referred, Mrs. Emerson was flattered by the polished major’s devotion of himself almost wholly to her during the evening, and she could do no less in return than make herself as agreeable as possible.

At eleven o’clock she had notice that her carriage was at the door.  The major was by, and heard the communication.  So, when she came down from the dressing-room, he was waiting for her in the hall, ready cloaked and gloved.

“No, Major Willard, I thank you,” she said, on his making a movement to accompany her.  She spoke very positively.

“I cannot see you go home unattended.”  And the major bowed with graceful politeness.

“Oh no,” said Mrs. Talbot.  “You must not leave my house alone.  Major, I shall expect you to attend my young friend.”

It was in vain that Mrs. Emerson objected and remonstrated, the gallant major would listen to nothing; and so, perforce, she had to yield.  After handing her into the carriage, he spoke a word or two in an undertone to the driver, and then entering, took his place by her side.

Mrs. Emerson felt strangely uncomfortable and embarrassed, and shrunk as far from her companion as the narrow space they occupied would permit; while he, it seemed to her, approached as she receded.  There was a different tone in his voice when he spoke as the carriage moved away from any she had noticed heretofore.  He drew his face near to hers in speaking, but the rattling of the wheels made hearing difficult.  He had, during the evening, referred to a star actress then occupying public attention, of whom some scandalous things had been said, and declared his belief in her innocence.  To Mrs. Emerson’s surprise—­almost disgust—­his first remark after they were seated in the carriage was about this actress.  Irene did not respond to his remark.

“Did you ever meet her in private circles?” he next inquired.

“No, sir,” she answered, coldly.

“I have had that pleasure,” said Major Willard.

There was no responsive word.

“She is a most fascinating woman,” continued the major.  “That Juno-like beauty which so distinguishes her on the stage scarcely shows itself in the drawing-room.  On the stage she is queenly—­in private, soft, voluptuous and winning as a houri.  I don’t wonder that she has crowds of admirers.”