For, while he, lover-like, was grave and earnest during the small remainder of the evening, she continued to be sprightly and gay.

The last he saw of her was her smiling face at the window as her carriage drove away.
Arrived at the little house in Upper Brook Street, Maggie and Etta went into the drawing-room, where biscuits and wine were set out.

Their maids came and took their cloaks away, leaving them alone.
"Paul and I are engaged," said Etta suddenly.

She was picking the withered flowers from her dress and throwing them carelessly on the table.
Maggie was standing with her back to her, with her two hands on the mantel-piece.

She was about to turn round when she caught sight of her own face in the mirror, and that which she saw there made her change her intention.
"I am not surprised," she said, in an even voice, standing like a statue.