She had overrated her powers, and found that even pride could not sustain her.
She had no reserve of strength to draw upon.

The heat of the room grew oppressive, and she was unaccustomed to throngs, confusion, and noise.
The consciousness of her weakness was forced upon her most painfully at last by the appearance of Miss Wildmere on Graydon's arm.

The belle was smiling, radiant, her step elastic, her eyes shining with excitement and pleasure.

Her practiced scrutiny had assured her that she was the queen of the hour; the handsomest and most courtly man present was so devoted as to suggest that he might easily become a lover; she had seen many glances of envy, and one, in the case of poor Madge, of positive pain.

What more could her heart desire?
Graydon conducted her to her chaperon, near whom half a dozen gentlemen were waiting for a chance to be his successor; and, having obtained her promise for another dance later in the evening, he turned deprecatingly to Madge.