Will you introduce me ?" For Fanny and Miss Drake were now returning slowly along the gravel path which led to the kitchen garden.

The eyes of both girls were fixed on the pair advancing toward them.

Alicia was no longer impassive or haughty.

Like her companion, she appeared to have been engaged in an intimate and absorbing conversation.

Diana could not help looking at her in a vague surprise as she paused in front of them.