"We are quite in a conspiracy," he said, and Lady Lisle laughingly
assured him that all women were fond of plots.
"Your sex, my dear colonel, are so strong and so wise that it is a real
pleasure to any poor weak woman to outwit you." And Lady Amelie shot him
a glance from her beautiful eyes that made the colonel again half pity
his young kinsman.
CHAPTER IX.
Weaving the Spell.
The Duchess of Hexham bore the reputation of being a most accomplished
woman; if she excelled in anything it was certainly the giving of balls.
She had the largest, loftiest and best ball-room in London. It was never
overcrowded.
"As many flowers as possible," she was in the habit of saying; "but we
must limit our guests."
It did not matter either who was fashionable and who was not, the
duchess would have nothing but beauty and grace at her balls. You were
sure at Hexham House to meet the most beautiful women in London and the
most eligible men. It was consequently agreed on all sides that her
grace gave the best balls during the season. This one at which Lady
Amelie was to be present, promised unusual splendor.
An archduke of one of the European courts was just then the guest of the
queen, and he had promised to honor Hexham House with his presence.
"He shall see such lovely women," said the duchess to her husband, "that
he shall go back to his own country in despair."
To Lady Amelie she had said, laughingly: "Look your very loveliest.
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