But still she asked herself again, what did it matter?
He laughed and let her go.
In the cloak-room people looked at her oddly, but beyond ordinary greetings no one spoke to her.

She did not know that it was solely her utter wretchedness that kept them at a distance.
She entered the ballroom behind Mrs.Ingleton, and at once Preston descended upon her again.

He had scrawled his name against half a dozen dances on her card before she realized what he was doing.
She began to protest, but again that deadly feeling of apathy overcame her.

She was worn out--worn out.

What did it matter whether she danced with the man or not?
Young Vernon Eversley, a friendly boy whom she had always liked, pursed his lips when he saw her programme.
"It's true then, is it ?" he said.
"What is true ?" She looked at him questioningly, not feeling greatly interested in his answer.
He met her look with straight, honest eyes.