Even old Mrs. Hungerford this night broke through
her rule of not going to more than one house, and she drove off to Lady
de Courcy's.
They were alone. It is sometimes an awful thing to be alone with those
we love.
'Sing that again!' asked the Duke, imploringly. 'It is my favourite air;
it always reminds me of Dacre.'
She sang, she ceased; she sang with beauty, and she ceased with grace;
but all unnoticed by the tumultuous soul of her adoring guest. His
thoughts were intent upon a greater object. The opportunity was sweet;
and yet those boisterous wassailers, they might spoil all.
'Do you know that this is the first time that I have seen your rooms lit
up?' said the Duke.
'Is it possible! I hope they gain the approbation of so distinguished a
judge.'
'I admire them exceedingly. By-the-bye, I see a new cabinet in the
next room. Swaby told me, the other day, that you were one of his
lady-patronesses. I wish you would show it me. I am very curious in
cabinets.'
She rose, and they advanced to the end of another and a longer room.
'This is a beautiful saloon,' said the Duke. 'How long is it?'
'I really do not know; but I think between forty and fifty feet.
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