Lady Catharine is away, and Sir Charles is forth also, as usual, at this time.

I am left proxy for my entertainers, and perhaps I may serve you in this case.

Therefore pray step within." Reluctantly the butler swung open the door and admitted the visitor.
Will Law stood face to face with Mary Connynge, just from her boudoir, and with time for but half care as to the details of her toilet; yet none the less Mary Connynge, Eve-like, bewitching, endowed with all the ancient wiles of womankind.

Will Law gazed, since this was his fate.
Unconsciously the sorcery of the sight enfolded the youth as he stood there uncertainly.

He saw the round throat, the heavy masses of the dark hair, the full round form.