He himself had always given both Mrs.Hooper and her eldest daughter a wide berth in the social gatherings of Oxford.

He frankly thought Mrs.Hooper odious, and had long since classed Miss Alice as a stupid little thing with a mild talent for flirtation.
Then, as he held out his hand to say good-bye, he suddenly remembered the Vice-Chancellor's party.
"By the way, there's a big function to-night.

You're going, of course?
Oh, yes--make them take you! I hadn't meant to go--but now I shall--on the chance!" He grasped her hand, holding it a little.

Then he was gone, and the Hoopers' front door swung suddenly wide, opened by some one invisible.
Connie, a little flushed and excited, stepped into the hall, and there perceived Mrs.Hooper behind the door.
"You are rather late, Constance," said that lady coldly.

"But, of course, it doesn't matter.