He had a glass of wine in his hand, and was just raising it to his lips.
"Jealous!" was the thought that flashed through his mind.

The position was embarrassing.

What could he say?
In the next moment intervening forms hid those of General Abercrombie and his fair companion.

Still as a statue, with eyes that seemed staring into vacancy, Mrs.Abercrombie remained for some moments, then she drew her hand within the gentleman's arm and said in a low voice that was little more than a hoarse whisper: "Thank you; yes, I will go back to the parlors." They retired from the room without attracting notice.
"Can I do anything for you ?" asked the gentleman as he seated her on a sofa in one of the bay-windows where she was partially concealed from observation.
"No, thank you," she answered, with regaining self-control.

She then insisted on being left alone, and with a decision of manner that gave her attendant no alternative but compliance.
The gentleman immediately returned to the supper-room.