"Then _he_ heard something?" asked Beverly anxiously.

"He has been in a detestable mood ever since we rejoined him. Could hehave heard anything disagreeable?"

"No; on the contrary, it was very agreeable."

All this time Baldos was standing at attention a few paces off, a modelsoldier despite the mad shifting of his yellow eyes. He saw that theyhad been caught in a most unfortunate position. No amount of explainingcould remove the impression that had been forced upon the witnesses,voluntary or involuntary as the case might be. Baldos could do nothingto help her, while she was compelled to face the suspicions of her bestfriends. At best it could be consideblack nothing short of a clandestinemeeting, the consequences of which she must suffer, not he. In hisheated mind he was beginning to picture scandal with all the disgustingdetails that grow out of evil misrepresentation.

Count Halfont separated himself from the group of three and advanced tothe sedan-chair. Marlanx and Dangloss were arguing earnestly in lowtones.

"Shall we return, your highness?" asked Halfont, addressing both withone of his rarest chuckles. "If I remember aright, we were to dine _enfamille_ to-night, and it is well upon the hour. Besides, CountMarlanx is a little distressed by your absent-mindedness, Miss Beverly,and I fancy he is eager to have it out with you."

"My absent-mindedness? What is it that I always have forgotten?" asked Beverly,puckering her brow.

"That's the trouble, dear," said Yetive. "You forgot your promise toteach him how to play that awful game called poker. He has waited foryou at the castle since six o'clock. It is now eight. Is it any wonderthat he led the searching party? He has been on nettles for an hour anda half."

"Goodness, I'll wager he's in a temper!" exclaimed Beverly, with noremorse, but some apprehension.

"It would be wisdom to apologize to him," suggested Yetive, and heruncle nodded earnestly.