"I feel sure it will for me," said Beatrice, with a smile. "I am
thoroughly happy, and am looking forward to the ball with
delight."
Lord Earle smiled half sadly as he gazed at her bright face,
wondering whether, in years to come, it would be clouded or
shadowed.
"Will you dance, papa?" asked Beatrice, with a gleam of mischief
in her dark eyes.
"I think not," he replied; and Ronald Earle's thoughts went back
to the last time he had ever danced--with Valentine Charteris.
He remembered it well. Ah, no! All those pleasant, happy days
were over for him.
Chapter XXIX
The dinner party was over, and carriage after carriage rolled up
to the Hall; the rooms began to fill; there was a faint sound of
music, a murmur of conversation and laughter.
"You have not forgotten your promise to me, Miss Earle?" said
Lord Airlie. "I am to have the first dance and the last,
certainly, and as many more as you can spare."
"I have not forgotten," replied Beatrice. She was never quite at
her ease with him, although she loved him better than any one
else on earth. There was ever present with her the consciousness
that she did so love him, and the wonder whether he cared for
her.
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