"Humph!" said the officer.

"I heard," renewed the Oxonian, "that she was to be married to young
Godolphin. He was staying here a short time ago. They rode and walked
together. What a lucky fellow he has been. I don't know any one I should
so much like to see."

"Hush!" said a third person, looking at Godolphin.

Percy moved on. Accomplished and self-collected as he usually was, he
could not wholly conceal the hell within. His brow grew knit and gloomy:
he scarcely returned the salutations he received; and moving out of the
crowd, he stole to a seat behind a large pillar, and, scarcely seen by any
one, fixed his eyes on the form and movements of Miss Vernon.

It so happened that he had placed himself in the vicinity of the Duchess
of Winstoun, and within hearing of the conversation that I am about to
record.

The dance being over, Lord Erpingham led Constance to a seat close by Lady
Margaret Midgecombe. The duchess had formed her plan of attack; and,
rising as she saw Constance within reach, approached her with an air that
affected civility.

"How do you do, Miss Vernon? I am happy to see you looking so well. What
truth in the report, eh?" And the duchess showed her teeth--videlicet,
smiled.

"What report does your grace allude to?"