His countenance changed so that it seemed almost, for a second, to lose some of its colour.

He stooped and picked the rose up and held it in his hand.

But Mistress Clorinda was looking at my Lord of Dunstanwolde, who was moving through the crowd to greet her.

She gave him a brilliant smile, and from her lustrous eyes surely there passed something which lit a fire of hope in his.
After she had made her obeisance to her entertainers, and her birthday greetings to the young heir, he contrived to draw closely to her side and speak a few words in a tone those near her could not hear.
"To-night, madam," he said, with melting fervour, "you deign to bring me my answer as you promised." "Yes," she murmured.

"Take me where we may be a few moments alone." He led her to an antechamber, where they were sheltered from the gaze of the passers-by, though all was moving gaiety about them.