" she went on now to explain to him and to
the Hardings. "Never, never. She could not bear that. But she often does
come; and she has heard to-day from Karen Woodruff that special friends
are hoping to see her. So your chances are good, I think. Ah, here is
Karen."

Gregory did not trouble to undeceive his old friend. It was his habit to
have tea with her once or twice a month, and his motive in coming to-day
had hardly been distinguishable from his usual impulse. If he had come
hoping to see anybody, it had been to see the _protegee_, and he watched
her now as she advanced down the great room with her cheerful,
unembarrassed look, the look of a person serenely accustomed to a
publicity in which she had no part.

Seen thus at full length and in full face he found her more than ever
like an Alfred Stevens and an archaic Greek statue. Long-limbed,
thick-waisted, spare and strong, she wore a straight, grey dress--the
dress of a little convent girl coming into the _parloir_ on a day of
visits--which emphasized the boyish aspect of her figure. Narrow frills
of white were at wrist and neck; her shoes were low heeled and square
toed; and around her neck a gold locket hung on a black velvet ribbon.

Mrs. Forrester held out her hand to her with the undiscerning kindliness
that greets the mere emissary. "Well, my dear, what news of our Tante?
Is she coming, do you think?" she inquired. "This is Lady Campion; she
has never yet met Tante." The word was pronounced in German fashion.

"I am not sure that she will come," said Miss Woodruff, looking around
the assembled circle, while Mrs. Forrester still held her hand. "She is
still very tired, so I cannot be sure; I hope so." She smiled calmly at
Sir Alliston and Miss Scrotton who were talking together and then lifted
her eyes to Gregory who stood near.

"You know Mr. Jardine?" Mrs. Forrester asked, seeing the pleased
recognition on the girl's face. "It was his first time last night."

"No, I do not know him," said Miss Woodruff, "but I saw him at the
concert. Was it his first time? Think of that."

"Now sit here, child, and tell me about Tante," said Mrs. Forrester,
drawing the girl down to a chair beside her. "I saw that she was very
tired this morning. She had her massage?" Mrs. Forrester questioned in a
lower voice.

"Yes; and fortunately she was able to sleep for two hours after that.
Then Mr. Schultz came and she had to see him, and that was tiring."

Mr. Schultz was M