The Master of the Ceremonies Part 75

A spasm seemed to shoot through Cora Dean as she said to herself: "Too late!"

Volume Two, Chapter XXV.

MELLERSH IS CONVINCED.

"Well, d.i.c.k," said Mellersh, as he sought Linnell out, after a stroll round the rooms in search of Cora Dean, "how long are you going to keep yourself on the gridiron?"

"I don't understand you."

"Then I shall not try to explain."

"Have you seen anything?"

"N-no."

"Don't hesitate, man; you have?"

"No, d.i.c.k, no. Of course, I've seen a certain young lady, and I've seen Rockley hanging about."

"Well, that proves nothing, does it?"

"My dear d.i.c.k, why should I waste my breath on a man in your condition?"

"My condition, you wretched old cynic? You never knew what it was to love."

"Wrong. I have loved, and I am in love now."

"You? You?"

"Yes, my boy, and with a woman who cares for somebody else; but I don't go stalking about like a tragedy hero, and rolling my eyes and cursing the whole world. If I cannot have the moon, I shall not cry for it."

"Hist! There goes Rockley."

"Well, let him go."

Richard Linnell made no reply, but quietly followed the Major.

"I mustn't let them meet without me there," thought Mellersh. "The scoundrel might hit him badly next time."

He strode off after Richard Linnell, but missed him, and it was quite half an hour before they met again.

"I have been about the gate," said Richard hoa.r.s.ely. "There is no post-chaise there."

"Then it is a hoax."

"No; I cannot think that it is. Rockley is yonder, and he is watching about in a curious, restless way that means something."

"Where is he?"

"Over there by the saloon window."

"Oh, my dear d.i.c.k, I am hungry for a good hand at whist, and to win a little Philistine gold, and here you keep me hanging about after you, looking for a mare's nest."

"I can't stop," said Linnell. "Where shall I find you if I want you?"

"Here, on this seat, under this bush, smoking a cigar. No; I'll stick by you, my lad."

They went off together, and, going straight up to the window pointed out by Linnell, found that Rockley was not there.

"I left him there, I'll swear," said Linnell savagely. "No, don't let us separate; I may want you."

"Quite right; and I may want you," replied Mellersh.

They walked hastily round, looking in at window after window, but there was no sign of Rockley. The throng of guests were dancing, playing, or conversing, and the scene was very brilliant; but the tall, dark officer of the dragoons was the only one of his party that they could not see.

"Mellersh," exclaimed Linnell suddenly, "with all my watchfulness, I seem to have failed."

"Why do you say that?"

"Claire!"

"Claire? Why, I saw her seated on that rout-chair five minutes ago."

"Yes; but she has gone."

"Quick, then--down to the gate! We must see them there."

"Unless they have pa.s.sed through," said Linnell, with a groan. "I ought not to have left the entrance."

"Don't talk," said Mellersh, almost savagely now, he seemed so moved from his ordinary calm. "I don't want to think you are right, d.i.c.k, but I begin to be suspicious at last."

They hurried down to the gate, where a knot of servants were chatting, the lights from the carriage-lamps glistening in polished panels and windows, and throwing up the gay liveries of the belaced footmen waiting.

"Has any one pa.s.sed through here lately?" said Mellersh sharply.

"No, sir," was chorused.

"Not a lady and gentleman?"

"No, sir--yes, about half an hour ago Colonel Lascelles and the doctor at the barracks went out together."

"But no lady and gentleman separately or together?"

"No, sir."

"No carriage?"

"No, sir," said the footman who had acted as spokesman.