Upon Arenta’s brother he had not produced a pleasant impression.  Without intention, he had treated young Van Ariens with that negative politeness which dashes a sensitive man and makes him resentfully conscious that he has been rendered incapable of doing himself justice.  And Rem could neither define the sense of humiliation he felt, nor yet ruffle the courteous urbanity of Hyde; though he tried in various ways to introduce some conversation which would afford him the pleasure of contradiction.  Equally he failed to consider that his barely veiled antagonism compelled from the Doctor, and even from Cornelia and Arenta, attentions he might not otherwise have received.  The Doctor was indeed much annoyed that Rem did not better respect the position of guest; while Mrs. Moran was keenly sensitive to the false note in the evening’s harmony, and anxious to atone for it by many little extra courtesies.  So Hyde easily became the hero of the hour; he was permitted to teach the girls the charming old-world step of the Pas de Quatre, and afterwards to sing with them merry airs from Figaro, and sentimental airs from Lodoiska, and to make Rem’s heart burn with anger at the expression he threw into the famous ballad “My Heart and Lute” which the trio sang twice over with great feeling.

Fortunately, some of Doctor Moran’s neighbours called early in the evening.  Then whist parties were formed; and while the tables were being arranged Cornelia found an opportunity to reason with Rem.  “I never could have believed you would behave so unlike yourself,” she said; and Rem answered bluntly—­“That Englishman has insulted me ever since he came into the room.”

“He is not an Englishman,” said Cornelia.

“His father is an Englishman, and the man himself was born in England.  The way he looks at me, the way he speaks to me, is insulting.”

“I have seen nothing but courtesy to you, Rem.”

“You have not the key to his impertinences.  To-morrow, I will tell you something about Lieutenant Hyde.”

“I shall not permit you to talk evil of him.  I have no wish to hear ill reports about my acquaintances, Their behaviour is their own affair; at any rate, it is not mine.  Be good-tempered, Rem; you are to be my partner, and we must win in every game.”

But though Cornelia was all sweetness and graciousness; though Rem played well, and Lieutenant Hyde played badly; though Rem had the satisfaction of watching Hyde depart in his chair, while he stood with a confident friendship by Cornelia’s side, he was not satisfied.  There was an air of weariness and constraint in the room, and the little stir of departing visitors did not hide it.  Doctor Moran had been at an unusual social tension; he was tired, and not pleased at Rem for keeping him on the watch.  Cornelia was silent.  Rem then approached his sister and said, “it is time to go home.”  Arenta looked at her friend; she expected to be asked to remain, and she was offended when Cornelia did not give her the invitation.