"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. You seem ailing, Lady Blakeney."
"I am only very tired," she repeated wearily, as she allowed
Lord Fancourt to lead her, where subdued lights and green plants lent
coolness to the air. He got her a chair, into which she sank. This
long interval of waiting was intolerable. Why did not Chauvelin come
and tell her the result of his watch?
Lord Fancourt was very attentive. She scarcely heard what he
said, and suddenly startled him by asking abruptly,--
"Lord Fancourt, did you perceive who was in the dining-room
just now besides Sir Percy Blakeney?"
"Only the agent of the French government, M. Chauvelin,
equally fast asleep in another corner," he said. "Why does your
ladyship ask?"
"I know not. . .I. . .Did you notice the time when you were
there?"
"It must have been about five or ten minutes past one. . . .
I wonder what your ladyship is thinking about," he added, for
evidently the fair lady's thoughts were very far away, and she had not
been listening to his intellectual conversation.
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