Alpha Book

"
"Do you suppose I could have remained in the service?" he demanded. His
voice was dry and almost accentless.
"Why not?" she returned, paling.
"You may answer that question more pleasantly than I can."
She usually avoided champagne; but she had to do something for herself
now. As for him, he took what was offered without noticing what he took,
and grew whiter and whiter; but a fixed glow gradually appeared and
remained on her cheeks; courage, impatience, a sudden anger at the
forced conditions steadied her nerves.
"Will you please prove equal to the situation?" she said under her
breath, but with a charming smile. "Do you know you are scowling? These
people here are ready to laugh; and I'd much prefer that they tear us to
rags on suspicion of our over-friendliness."
"Who is that fool woman who is monopolising your partner?"
"Rosamund Fane; she's doing it on purpose. You must try to smile now and
then."
"My face is stiff with grinning," he said, "but I'll do what I can for
you--"
"Please include yourself, too.


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