Rose and George Howard ceased their waltz.

Kate's flying fingers stopped.

The card-party looked up inquisitively.
"Who can it be," said the Captain, "'who knocks so loud, and knocks so late,' this stormy night ?" The servant who threw open the drawing-room door answered him.

"M.

La Touche," announced Babette, and vanished.
There was a little cry of astonishment from Rose; an instant's irresolute pause.