Winship's example, as he waited on the company with a quaintly fine
courtesy. Indeed, he made quite a conquest of the General, who presently,
after chatting with him for some time with keen interest, asked
abruptly:--
"Why haven't we had him here before? So interesting, such an original!
Room here for you, Milly. Some salad, please, Mr. Hynes."
Hynes's pinched face took colour. With alacrity he obeyed the General's
orders, fetching plates and glasses, and hovering about the group that
included Milly and her mother, until Mrs. Baker's face began to wear a
disturbed flush, though Milly's small, white features remained impassive.
I watched the little drama with dawning comprehension. Then Ned did not--
Helen--it was really Ethel's sister with whom he longed to make peace,
while I--Ethel--
Helen's voice roused me.
"Can't we go into the other room?" she asked. "I'm tired; can't we go and
sit quietly together?"
With the fading of the glow and colour left by the music, she looked
indeed tired, almost haggard. In spite of the regal self possession with
which she rose, drawing Ethel with her, I knew in the face of Milly's
triumph-yes, I had known before--why her restless spirit had spurred her
on to such flights of folly; why she had--she brings no love to me; has
she perhaps offered pity?
We turned together to the door, but there was a sound of hurrying feet,
and Miss Bryant rushed before us, followed by a big bearded giant of a
man.
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