Could he have escaped without any one
knowing that he had escaped, he would not have gone up-stairs after
dinner; but he knew that he was observed; he knew that people were talking
about him; and he did not like it to be said that he had run away. He went
up, thinking much of it all, and as soon as he saw Lady Eustace he made
his way to her and accosted her. Many eyes were upon them, but no ear
probably heard how infinitely unimportant were the words which they spoke
to each other. Her manner was excellent. She smiled and gave him her hand
--just her hand without the slightest pressure--and spoke a half-whispered
word, looking into his face, but betraying nothing by her look. Then he
asked her whether she would dance. Yes; she would stand up for a
quadrille; and they did stand up for a quadrille. As she danced with no
one else, it was clear that she treated Lord Fawn as her lover. As soon as
the dance was done she took his arm and moved for a few minutes about the
room with him. She was very conscious of the diamonds, but she did not
show the feeling in her face. He also was conscious of them, and he did
show it. He did not recognise the necklace, but he knew well that this was
the very bone of contention.
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