She was a slave to Ranelagh, and he could make her do whatever he wished, just as he can make you and everybody else." Here he shot insolent glances at his two interlocutors, one of whom changed colour--which, happily, he did not see.

"'Ring the bell,' I ordered, 'and have in the champagne.

I want to drink to your marriage and the happy days in prospect for us all,' It was brutal and I knew it; but I was reckless and wild for the wine.

So, I guess, was Ranelagh, for he smiled at her, and she rang for the champagne.

When the glasses had been set beside each plate, she turned towards Carmel.