I suppose she is one of your neighbours ?" "Yes," replied Stafford, as easily and casually as he could, for the face still floated before him--"yes; but not a very near one.

Let me give you some more wine." "No, thanks.

Father, haven't you nearly finished?
Mr.Orme has kept us company so nicely that we've been tempted to forget that we are keeping him from his guests." She rose, and with a peculiarly sinuous movement threw out the train of her dress, and swept languidly to the door Stafford offered her his arm and they entered the drawing-room.
Her appearance naturally caused a little sensation, for some of the men had learnt and told of the story of Stafford's plucky arrest of the bolting horses, and the people were curious to see the father and daughter who had been rescued, and who had proved to be friends of Sir Stephen.
By a sort of tacit understanding, Lady Clausford, who was a good-natured individual, was playing the part of hostess and general chaperon, and Stafford led Miss Falconer up to her.
Before a quarter of an hour had passed Miss Falconer seemed to be quite at home in her novel surroundings; and leaning back in her chair, and slowly fanning herself, received with perfect self-possession the attentions which her beauty, her costly dress, and her still more costly jewels merited.

Presently Stafford heard Lady Clansford ask her to sing; and he went to conduct her to the piano.
"My music is upstairs in my box--but it does not matter: I will try and remember something," she said.

"I wonder what you like ?" She raised her eyes to his, as her fingers touched the keys.