'
'Nor I, and I will make it up to you some time,' was Arthur's reply, as
he took his brother's arm and said: 'Now introduce me to your guests.'
The moment the gentlemen disappeared from view Harold's resolution was
taken. He was of no use there any longer, as he could see. It was nearly
midnight. He was very tired and sleepy, and his head was aching
terribly. He could not see the dancing. He had had nothing to eat; he
had stood until his legs were ready to drop off, and to crown all a
lunatic had tried to throw him over the banister.
'I won't stay here another minute,' he said.
And leaving the hall by the rear entrance, and slipping down a back
stairway, he was soon in the open air, and running swiftly through the
park toward the cottage in the lane.
Meanwhile the two brothers had descended to the drawing-room, where
Arthur was soon surrounded by his friends and old acquaintances, whom he
greeted with that cordiality and friendliness of manner which had made
him so popular with those who knew him best. Every trace of excitement
had disappeared, and had he been master of ceremonies himself, at whose
bidding the guests were there, he could not have been more gracious or
affable. Even old Peterkin, when he came into notice, was treated with a
consideration which put that worthy man at ease, and set his tongue
again in motion.
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