She held herself very erect, but her lips trembled and tears were very near her eyes.

She turned to Miss Winwood and held out her hand.

"I am afraid we must postpone our discussion of the Forlorn Widows.

It is getting late.

Au revoir, Colonel Winwood--" "I will see you to your carriage." On the threshold she turned, included Paul in a vague bow to the company, and passed through the door which Colonel Winwood held open.
Paul watched her until she disappeared--disappeared haughtily out of his life, taking his living heart with her, leaving him with a stone very heavy, very cold, dead.