The word "Australia" had wakened sad memories, which had to be controlled and driven back at once.
"Let us go in; it is getting late for you," she said.
And they passed through a French window into the unlighted drawing-room.
The next evening Colonel Meredith returned, and, as Gwen had foretold, brought with him the expected visitor.

The girl ran excitedly into Valmai's room.
"He is awfully handsome, dear.

I have just taken a peep at him through the hall window as he alighted.

He'll be seated opposite to you at dinner, but _next_ to _me_, and I mean to make the best of my opportunity.

You'll see how charming I can be in spite of my plain face." And off she went, singing as usual, to return in another moment and ask: "What dress are you going to wear, Beauty?
That soft white cashmere?
Oh, you look sweet in that, but I bet you a button that I'll cut you out to-night." As Valmai sat down at the dinner-table she was conscious that the stranger sat opposite to her, and, looking across at him, met the eyes of Cardo Wynne! A sharp spasm darted through her heart, for at the moment in which she had met his gaze she had seen his look averted from her; and the long-cherished hopes of months and faith in his constancy, held to through so many discouraging circumstances, gave way at a glance, for well she knew that Cardo had recognised her, and at the same moment had avoided her eyes, and had turned to make a remark to his neighbour Gwen.