In reality, her thoughts were busy with quite other matters than the lady of the yews.

It did not seem to her of any real importance that a half-crazy stranger, attracted by the sounds and sights of the ball, on such a beautiful night, should have tried to watch it from the lake.

The whole tale was curious, but--to her--irrelevant.

The mystery she burned to find out was nearer home.

Was Helena Pitstone falling in love with Philip?
And if so, what was the effect on Philip?
Cynthia had not much enjoyed her dance.