However," he grasped West's hand with apparent cordiality, "I hasten to add my congratulations, and to wish Natalie all the happiness possible." The group slowly broke up, the members still discussing the undoubted surprise of this announcement, Miss Coolidge talking animatedly with Mrs.
Lonsdale, and seemingly having forgotten West's presence in the room.

He was utterly unable to even catch her eye, and finally found himself confronting Colonel LeFranc and Percival Coolidge, the latter instantly engaging him in conversation, evidently seeking more definite information.
"This engagement with my niece," he said uneasily, "must have been rather sudden?
Even your name is quite unfamiliar to me." "It was, indeed," admitted West, who had now completely recovered his nerve, and even begun to enjoy the situation.

"Since my return from abroad." "You were with the army in France ?" "In an Engineer Regiment.

I have been in America only two weeks." "Ah, indeed.

And this is your home ?" Realizing that the elder Coolidge was diligently searching for information, West decided the best method would be a full confession.
"Oh, no," he said candidly, "I am from the South--Atlanta, Georgia.