"To-morrow evening, to meet a few friends: no formal party." It was all said very gracefully, and the cards with which she had provided herself, the "Miss Elliot at home," were laid on the table, with a courteous, comprehensive smile to all, and one smile and one card more decidedly for Captain Wentworth.

The truth was, that Elizabeth had been long enough in Bath to understand the importance of a man of such an air and appearance as his.

The past was nothing.

The present was that Captain Wentworth would move about well in her drawing-room.

The card was pointedly given, and Sir Walter and Elizabeth arose and disappeared.
The interruption had been short, though severe, and ease and animation returned to most of those they left as the door shut them out, but not to Anne.