All at once she became aware that little Miss Fadden had arisen and was dropping a deep curtsy—so deep that she sank lower and lower onto the carpet.

“Uncle Gervase!” cried Alice, turning instinctively toward the fireplace. And there he was, in full evening dress, his jewels blazing in the candlelight. Did his eyes hold a new warmth as he looked at her?

Alice moved gracefully toward him, the silver gauze of her overdress floating out from her slim body. “I am so glad to see you,” she said, trying to read the expression in his eyes.

He made as if to take her hand and then his blue eyes took on a mocking look. “My child,” he said, “how charmingly you look. But I fear we should assist Miss Fadden.”

Alice looked around and found that Miss Fadden had been unable to rise out of her curtsy and was lying on the carpet. With a sharp feeling of impatience at her companion’s ill-timed gaucherie, Alice rushed forward and assisted that lady to her feet.

“Thank you, my lady,” babbled Miss Fadden in great confusion. “What a bad beginning! What you must think of me. I shall try again…”

“No, don’t!” cried Alice and the Duke in unison, but Miss Fadden was already sinking down. There was a sharp, embarrassing cracking sound from her knees, but somehow, with many grimaces, she managed to heave her small body upright. “There!” she cried triumphantly.

The Duke looked at her doubtfully and then said, “Miss Fadden. Pray excuse us. I wish to have a word in private with my niece.”

Miss Fadden moved slowly to the door, her shoulders bent.

“Madam!” said the Duke, looking at her drooping figure impatiently. “Had my niece any doubts as to your suitability, I am sure she would not have engaged you. You are being sent from the room so that I may discuss some matters which do not concern you or anything about you.”

Miss Fadden gave him a relieved smile and tiptoed out, closing the double doors behind her.

The Duke waited, his head cocked to one side, listening. At last he turned to Alice.

“What is it you wish to discuss?” she asked nervously.

“Why, your companion, of course. Miss Fadden. I fear she is not at all suitable.”

“Oh, but she is so pleasant and so grateful!” cried Alice. “I simply could not turn her out-of-doors. She has never been a companion before, you see. I am sure she will learn very quickly. Oh, please let me keep her!”

“My child, if that is what you want, you may have it,” replied the Duke, much amused. “Now, to our evening’s engagement. We are to attend a ball at the Duke and Duchess of Haversham’s.”

Alice blenched. “What if they recognize me?” she cried. “I avoided them during the Season.”