The few words which he saw framed there--he fancied of reproof--remained unspoken.

Sir Timothy was waiting for them at the entrance.
"I have been asking Mrs.Hilditch's permission to call in Curzon Street," Francis said boldly.
"I am sure my daughter will be delighted," was the cold but courteous reply.
Margaret herself made no comment.

The car drew up and she stepped into it--a tall, slim figure, wonderfully graceful in her unrelieved black, her hair gleaming as though with some sort of burnish, as she passed underneath the electric light.

She looked back at him with a smile of farewell as he stood bareheaded upon the steps, a smile which reminded him somehow of her father, a little sardonic, a little tender, having in it some faintly challenging quality.

The car rolled away.