It was her first appearance in court.

Each day I had anticipated her presence, and each day I had failed to see my anticipations realised.

But she was here now, and so were her father and her cold and dominating mother; and, beholding her thus accompanied, I fancied I understood Mr.Moffat's poorly concealed excitement.

But another glance at Mrs.Fulton assured me that I was mistaken in this hasty surmise.

No such serious purpose, as I feared, lay back of their presence here to-day.