"I am engaged to be married." There was a mingled chorus of exclamations and congratulations.
Selingman, who had been standing on the outskirts of the group, drew a little nearer.

His face wore a somewhat puzzled expression.
"And the lady ?" he enquired.

"May we not know the lady's name?
That is surely important ?" "It is the Baroness von Haase," Norgate replied.

"You probably know her by name and repute, at least, Mr.Selingman.She is an Austrian, but she is often at Berlin." Selingman stretched out his great hand.

For some reason or other, the announcement seemed to have given him real pleasure.
"Know her?
My dear young friend, while I may not claim the privilege of intimate friendship with her, the Baroness is a young lady of the greatest distinction and repute in Berlin.