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VIVIAN GREY.
47

"Let me mix it for you," said Mrs. Felix; "do you like sugar?"

Tired with his drive, Vivian Grey was leaning on the mantel-piece, with his eyes vacantly gazing on the looking-glass which rested on the marble slab. It was by pure accident that, reflected in the mirror, he distinctly beheld Mrs. Felix Lorraine open a small silver box, and throw some powder into the tumbler which she was preparing for him. She was leaning down, with her back almost turned to the glass, but still Vivian saw it—distinctly. A sickness came over him, and ere he could recover himself, his Hebe tapped him on the shoulder—

"Here, drink, drink while it is effervescent."

"I cannot drink," said Vivian, "I am not thirsty—I am too hot—I am anything——"

"How foolish you are! It will be quite spoiled."

"No, no, the dog shall have it. Here, Fidele, you look thirsty enough—come here—"