In fact, it was an elegant romp. The
two Baronets started from their slumbers, and Lord Mildmay called for
Mademoiselle Dacre. The call was echoed. Miss Dacre yielded to the
public voice, and acted to the life the gratified and condescending air
of a first-rate performer. Lord Mildmay called for Madame Dallington.
Miss Dacre led on her companion as Sontag would Malibran. There was no
wreath at hand, but the Duke of St. James robbed his coat of its rose,
and offered it on his knee to Mademoiselle, who presented it with
Parisian feeling to her rival. The scene was as superb as anything at
the _Academie_.
CHAPTER XII.
_An Impromptu Excursion_
'WE CERTAINLY must have a masque,' said the young Duke, as he threw
himself into his chair, satisfied with his performance.
'You must open Hauteville with one,' said Mrs. Dallington.
'A capital idea; but we will practise at Dacre first.'
'When is Hauteville to be finished?' asked Mrs. Dallington. 'I shall
really complain if we are to be kept out of it much longer. I believe I
am the only person in the Riding who has not been there.'
'I have been there,' said the Duke, 'and am afraid I must go again; for
Sir Carte has just come down for a few days, and I promised to meet him.
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