Peace had been under the impression that he was going to a sort of “high life below stairs,” about which he had heard so much.
He was, however, of quite a different opinion when he beheld the vast throng of gaily-dressed persons, surrounded with all the appliances which wealth and art could furnish.
He felt perfectly bewildered at the grandeur of the scene, which at this time was lighted up by the rays of the setting sun, which found their way through the many coloured diamond-shaped windows of the apartment.
Henry Adolphus, who was at the further end of the hall, caught sight of our hero as he first entered. With courtly politeness the prize flunkey hastened forward to give him welcome.
“It’s vary good of you, I’m shaw,” said that personage, after the usual greeting, “vary good to do us the ’onour of being present this hevening. Will you keindly step this way?”
Peace was conducted by his host towards one of the side tables; here he was introduced to a quiet, sedate, bald-headed, respectable-looking man, whom Henry Adolphus informed him was Mr. Jakyl.
Had he not been informed otherwise Peace would have concluded that it was his lordship himself.
Mr. Jakyl was reticent by nature; the few words he did utter, however, were courteous and patronising enough.
The butler, however, had so many persons to see, and such a number of little arrangements to make, that he did not remain many minutes in one place.
He was constrained to leave Peace rather abruptly.
“What wine will you take, Mr. Peace?” said Henry Adolphus.
“None at present, I thank you,” returned our hero.
“You must ’ave one glass with me. What say you――champagne?”
Two glasses of champagne were filled, and the burglar and the flunkey hobbed and nobbed. Presently the latter’s attention was called to another part of the room.
Soon after his departure Peace caught sight of Nelly threading her way through the throng. He hastened towards her.
“You here!” said he in a whisper, when he had reached her side.
“Me――yes. Is there anything surprising in that?” returned she, with a toss of the head.
“Well, I don’t know that it’s surprising; it’s gratifying to me, at any rate, and makes me feel supremely happy.”
“Of course, you know it does. How is it you have never shown up since that night? I’ve been watching the hours.”