"What a pity the mighty Angel of Death would not stay his hand even
for the tableaux of an English Duchess!" said Lady Esmondet, with
veiled cynicism.
"Yes, I think he was very cruel," sobbed the Duchess.
"Never mind, mamma," said Eveline, soothingly "Some one else can take
his place, and perhaps Capt. Trevalyon will now be a baronet, and that
will be so nice. You like him, so it will make it all right."
"So it will," said Posey, drying her eyes, "if it's so, is it, Lady
Esmondet?"
"Yes, Lady Wyesdale, Capt. Trevalyon succeeds to the baronetcy."
Lady Esmondet's remark was carried with different variations to the
end of the _salon_, where Vaura sat. She was immediately besieged with
questions.
"What is this rumour, Miss Vernon," asked an Englishman; "is Trevalyon
to be raised to the peerage?"
"For his looks of an Adonis and many fascinations," cried one.
"No, for his many _affaires de coeur_," laughed another.
"Or that his 'hidden wife' is coming forth," said a London man, who
read the news.
"More likely for some knightly act, by his Queen rewarded," echoed a
soft-voiced Italian.
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