The gentleman was outwardly cordial enough, yet his manner continued distinctively reserved, and somewhat cold.

West, however, attributed this largely to the nature of the man, and finally dismissed the thought from his mind altogether.

The person who continued to puzzle him most was Natalie Coolidge, nor was he able to approach her in any way so as to obtain a whispered private word of guidance.

The girl unquestionably avoided him, easily able to accomplish this by devoting her entire attention to the other guests.
She appeared in excellent humour, and there was laughter, and brilliant conversation wherever she paused, but not once could he encounter her glance, or find her for a moment alone.

Nor dare he ask questions of those he conversed with, so as to gain any fresh insight into this mystery.