When the interview between them came to an end, it had been arranged
that Mr. Dale was to be introduced on the following day at Hilton House
to Miss Brewer's cousin, Mr. Carton.
The introduction took place. A very short time, well employed in close
observation, sufficed to assure Victor that Douglas Dale was as much in
love as any man need be to be certain of committing any number of
follies, and that Paulina was a changed woman under the influence of
the same soul-subduing sentiment which, though not so strong in her
case, was assuming strength and intensity as each day taught her more
and more of her lover's moral and intellectual excellence. Douglas Dale
was much pleased with Mr. Carton; and that gentleman did all in his
power to render himself agreeable, and so far succeeded that, before
the close of the evening, he had made a considerable advance towards
establishing a very pleasant intimacy with Sir Reginald Eversleigh's
cousin.
Victor Carrington, always an observant man, had peculiarly the air of
being on the watch that day during dinner. He noticed everything that
Paulina ate and drank, and he took equal note of Miss Brewer's and
Douglas Dale's choice of meats and wines. Miss Brewer drank no wine,
Paulina very little, and Douglas Dale exclusively claret. When the
dinner had reached its conclusion, a stand of liqueurs was placed upon
the table, one of the few art-treasures left to the impoverished
adventuress, rare and fragile Venetian flacons, and tiny goblets of
opal and ruby glass.
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