d unrestrained laugh, the four members of
this attractive party turned to see whence the sound arose; but whereas
three faces remained blankly indifferent, the fourth was in the moment
transformed into an expression of the liveliest surprise. He stared,
narrowing his eyes as if doubting that they were really seeing aright,
twisted his head to get a fuller view, and, obtaining it, twisted back
into his original position, his lips twitching with laughter. Then he
spoke a few words, his companions leant forward to listen, and to two
faces out of the three, the laughter spread on hearing what he had to
say.

Only the elder of the two ladies retained her gravity. Her sweet glance
rested on Claire's face, and her brow contracted in distress. In the
Major and Cecil she showed no interest, but Claire's appearance
evidently aroused curiosity and pity. "What is _she_ doing in that
_galere_?" The question was written on every line of the sweet high-
bred face, and Claire read its significance and flinched with distaste.

"How they stare!" cried Mary Rhodes. "The man looked as if he knew you,
Frank. Do you know who he is?"

"He's a member of the Club. His name is Vavasour. We know each other
by sight." Major Carew's florid colour had grown a shade deeper, he was
evidently disconcerted by the encounter; but he made a strong effort to
regain his composure, smiled at the two girls in turn, and cried
lightly, "Envies me, I suppose, seeing me with two such charmers!"

"He didn't look exactly envious!" Cecil said drily. She also had
noticed that reflection in the mirror, and it had not helped to soothe
her spirits. She felt an unreasoning anger against Claire for appearing
more attractive than herself, but it did not occur to her that she was
heightening the contrast by her own dour, ungracious manner. Altogether
that tea-party was a difficult occasion, and as it proceeded, Claire's
spirits sank ever lower and lower. She had spent more than she had any
right to afford on those two expensive tickets, hoping thereby to give
pleasure, and now Cecil was in a bad temper, and would snap for days to
come.--It was not a cheerful outlook, and for the second time a feeling
of restiveness overtook her, a longing for a companion who would help
the gaiety of life--such a companion as pretty, lively, happy-go-lucky
Sophie Blake, for example. How refreshing it would be to live with
Sophie! Just for a moment Claire dwelt wistfully o