Margaret did not shun society or shut herself up, and more than once she saw Barker in the street and in the crowds at parties.

The houses in America are so small that parties are always crowded.

But he had the good sense to avoid her, and she was not troubled by any communication from him.
Clementine, indeed, wondered that so few flowers came, for a day or two, and old Vladimir pondered on the probable fate of Mr.Barker, who, he supposed, had been sent to Canada in chains for some political offence, seeing that he called no longer.

But these faithful servitors could not ask questions, and sources of information they had none.

Barker, however, as Margaret had anticipated, had been active in spreading the news of her engagement; for, before very long, callers were plenty, and flowers too, and many were the congratulations that poured in.