Awfully good of you, old boy! Had to come sooner or later, you know." Not quite assured of this necessity, and something less than composed, Hilliard presently passed through the house into the large walled garden behind it.

Here he was confusedly aware of a group of ladies, not one of whom, on drawing nearer, did he recognise.

A succession of formalities discharged, he heard his friend's voice saying-- "Hilliard, let me introduce you to my wife." There before him stood Eve.

He had only just persuaded himself of her identity; his eyes searched her countenance with wonder which barely allowed him to assume a becoming attitude.

But Mrs.Narramore was perfect in society's drill.