"I had a deal of difficulty in delivering your message, for I could not find Blakeney anywhere at first.

.

." Marguerite had forgotten all about her husband and her message to him; his very name, as spoken by Lord Fancourt, sounded strange and unfamiliar to her, so completely had she in the last five minutes lived her old life in the Rue de Richelieu again, with Armand always near her to love and protect her, to guard her from the many subtle intrigues which were forever raging in Paris in those days.
"I did find him at last," continued Lord Fancourt, "and gave him your message.

He said that he would give orders at once for the horses to be put to." "Ah!" she said, still very absently, "you found my husband, and gave him my message ?" "Yes; he was in the dining-room fast asleep.

I could not manage to wake him up at first." "Thank you very much," she said mechanically, trying to collect her thoughts.
"Will your ladyship honour me with the CONTREDANSE until your coach is ready ?" asked Lord Fancourt.
"No, I thank you, my lord, but--and you will forgive me--I really am too tired, and the heat in the ball-room has become oppressive." "The conservatory is deliciously cool; let me take you there, and then get you something.