In a moment it was whispered that somebody had fallen ill, and in another that the sufferer was Miss De Stancy.

Paula, Mrs.Goodman, and Somerset at once joined the group of friends who were assisting her.

Neither of them imagined for an instant that the unexpected advent of Somerset on the scene had anything to do with the poor girl's indisposition.
She was assisted out of the room, and her brother, who now came up, prepared to take her home, Somerset exchanging a few civil words with him, which the hurry of the moment prevented them from continuing; though on taking his leave with Charlotte, who was now better, De Stancy informed Somerset in answer to a cursory inquiry, that he hoped to be back again at the ball in half-an-hour.
When they were gone Somerset, feeling that now another dog might have his day, sounded Paula on the delightful question of a dance.
Paula replied in the negative.
'How is that ?' asked Somerset with reproachful disappointment.
'I cannot dance again,' she said in a somewhat depressed tone; 'I must be released from every engagement to do so, on account of Charlotte's illness.

I should have gone home with her if I had not been particularly requested to stay a little longer, since it is as yet so early, and Charlotte's illness is not very serious.' If Charlotte's illness was not very serious, Somerset thought, Paula might have stretched a point; but not wishing to hinder her in showing respect to a friend so well liked by himself, he did not ask it.

De Stancy had promised to be back again in half-an-hour, and Paula had heard the promise.