Being asked by her husband what was the object which had brought that formidable person to the house, she naturally mentioned the expected visit of Miss Haldane.

Arthur Barville, unusually silent and pre-occupied so far, suddenly struck into the conversation with a burst of enthusiasm.

'Miss Haldane is the most charming girl in all Ireland!' he said.

'I caught sight of her yesterday, over the wall of her garden, as I was riding by.

What time is she coming to-morrow?
Before two?
I'll look into the drawing-room by accident--I am dying to be introduced to her!' Agnes was amused by his enthusiasm.