In all her acquaintance with him he had never lost his temper.

Harry, of course, would lay it to Willits's lack of breeding--to the taint in his blood.

But she knew better--it was the insanity produced by drink, combined with his jealousy of Harry, which had caused the gross outrage.

If she had only told Willits herself of her betrothal and not waited to surprise him before the assembled guests, it would have been fairer and spared every one this scene.
All these thoughts coursed through her mind as with head still proudly erect she crossed the room on the colonel's arm, to a seat beside her future mother-in-law, who had noticed nothing, and to whom not a syllable of the affair would have been mentioned, all such matters being invariably concealed from the dear lady.
Old Mrs.Cheston, however, was more alert; not only had she caught the anger in Harry's eyes, but she had followed the flight of the torn card as its pieces fell to the floor.

She had once been present at a reception given by a prime minister when a similar fracas had occurred.
Then it was a lady's glove and not a dancing-card which was thrown in a rival's face, and it was a rapier that flashed and not a clenched fist.
"What was the matter over there, Talbot ?" she demanded, speaking from behind her fan when the colonel came within hearing.
"Nothing! Some little disagreement about who should lead the Virginia reel with Kate.