It had been a supper of copious wine, and
the songs which rise from wine. Nature was excused by our midnight
naturalists.
The two great dames, admonished by the violence of the nobleman's
laughter, laid claim on Mr. Beamish to accompany them at their parting
with Chloe and Duchess Susan.
In the momentary shuffling of couples incident to adieux among a company,
the duchess murmured to Caseldy:
'Have I done it well.'
He praised her for perfection in her acting. 'I am at your door at
three, remember.'
'My heart's in my mouth,' said she.
Colonel Poltermore still had the privilege of conducting her the few
farther steps to her lodgings.
Caseldy walked beside Chloe, and silently, until he said, 'If I have not
yet mentioned the subject--'
'If it is an allusion to money let me not hear it to-night,' she replied.
'I can only say that my lawyers have instructions. But my lawyers cannot
pay you in gratitude. Do not think me in your hardest review of my
misconduct ungrateful. I have ever esteemed you above all women; I do,
and I shall; you are too much above me. I am afraid I am a composition
of bad stuff; I did not win a very particularly good name on the
Continent; I begin to know myself, and in comparison with you, dear
Catherine----'
'You speak to Chloe,' she said. 'Catherine is a buried person. She died
without pain. She is by this time dust.'
The man heaved his breast.
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