The buzz of the room, the hearty laugh of the Lord Lieutenant, reached the outer ear.

But every deeper sense was strained to catch a voice--a step--that must soon be here.

And presently across the room, her eyes met her mother's, and their two expectancies touched.
"Mother!--here is Mr.Anderson!" Philip entered joyously, escorting his guest.
To Anderson's half-dazzled sight, the room, which was now fully lit by lamplight and fire, seemed crowded.

He found himself greeted by a gentle grey-haired lady of fifty-five, with a strong likeness to a face he knew; and then his hand touched Elizabeth's.

Various commonplaces passed between him and her, as to his journey, the new motor which had brought him to the house, the frosty evening.