They say you can read one's thoughts and go through a stone wall, and eat fire, and conjure the dead and dear knows what! I'm actually afraid of you!"
"And I of you also, madam,—in that gown."
She spread her hands demurely down her sides and looked up at him from under her lashes. She wore a costume of silken mesh, sheer and delicate, over cloth of silver, touched daringly with black. The top of her corsage was caught together by an immense square-cut emerald, set in small blue diamonds. Mrs. Selwyn was evidently not beyond being pleased at Astro's compliment; but her look suggested an unsatisfied desire.
"They're expecting something wonderful," she hinted.
Astro frowned. "My dear lady—" he began.
She nodded and shook her fan lightly. "Oh, yes, I know. I shan't ask you, of course. I promised. But at the same time if something—anything should happen, you know, it would be perfectly lovely; and it would make the thing go, wouldn't it? Oh, and there's an Italian countess here, whose hand I'm simply dying to have you read!"
Valeska, smiling amusedly at the hostess' prattle, was about to turn away, when Mrs. Selwyn caught her hand eagerly.
"It was so good of you to come on so unconventional an invitation! We must make you at home. You shall have positively all the men you want; I have armies of 'em to-night. And perhaps," here Mrs. Selwyn became almost coquettish, "you may have more influence with Astro than poor I. Do talk to him! Countess Trixola will be so disappointed if you don't succeed!"
