Did it awaken a sense of danger and put him on his guard?
No; it rather stirred a feeling of anger.

Could she not trust him among gentlemen and ladies--not trust him with Blanche Birtwell by his side?
It hurt his pride and wounded his self-esteem.
He was in the sphere of liberty and social enjoyment and among those who did not believe that wine was a mocker, but something to make glad the heart and give joy to the countenance; and when it began to flow he was among the first to taste its delusive sweets.

Blanche, for whom he poured a glass of champagne, took it from his hand, but with only half a smile on her lips, which was veiled by something so like pain or fear that Ellis felt as if the lights about him had suddenly lost a portion of their brilliancy.

He stood holding his own glass, after just tasting its contents, waiting for Blanche to raise the sparkling liquor to her lips, but she seemed like one under the influence of a spell, not moving or responding..