"There is to be a meeting--" She had time for no more as she swept by.
Alas, that mere moments should spell ruin as well as happiness! This new woman whom I had wooed and found, this new Elisabeth whose hand lay on my arm, saw what no one else would have seen--that little flash of recognition on the face of Helena von Ritz! She heard a whisper pass.
Moreover, with a woman's uncanny facility in detail, she took in every item of the other's costume.

For myself, I could see nothing of that costume now save one object--a barbaric brooch of double shells and beaded fastenings, which clasped the light laces at her throat.
The baroness had perhaps slept as little as I the night before.

If I showed the ravages of loss of sleep no more than she, I was fortunate.
She was radiant, as she passed forward with her escort for place in the line which had not yet dwindled away.
"You seem to know that lady," said Elisabeth to me gently.
"Did I so seem ?" I answered.

"It is professional of all to smile in the East Room at a reception," said I.
"Then you do not know the lady ?" "Indeed, no.

Why should I, my dear girl ?" Ah, how hot my face was! "I do not know," said Elisabeth.