by the open fire when he
entered the room. He had not expected to find any one there. He heard
voices up-stairs, and supposed Miss Bailey was talking with her hostess.
His mother followed the servant to remove her wraps, and he entered the
drawing-room alone. She stirred, looked up, and saw him.

"Elizabeth!" he said, and came forward to grasp her hand. "I have found
you again. How came you here?"

But she had no opportunity to answer, for the ladies entered almost at
once, and there stood the two smiling at each other.

"Why, you have met before!" exclaimed the hostess. "How delighted I am! I
knew you two would enjoy meeting. Elizabeth, child, you never told me you
knew George."

George Benedict kept looking around for Miss Bailey to enter the room; but
to his relief she did not come, and, when they went out to the
dining-room, there was no place set for her. She must have preferred to
remain at home. He forgot her, and settled down to the joy of having
Elizabeth by his side. His mother, opposite, watched his face blossom into
the old-time joy as he handed this new girl the olives, and had eyes for
no one else.

It was to Elizabeth a blessed evening. They held sweet converse one with
another as children of the King. For a little time under the old influence
of the restful, helpful talk she forgot "the lady," and all the perplexing
questions that had vexed her soul. She knew only that she had entered into
an atmosphere of peace and love and joy.

It was not until the evening was over, and the guests were about to leave,
that Mrs. Benedict addressed Elizabeth as Miss Bailey. Up to that moment
it had not entered her son's mind that Miss Bailey was present at all. He
turned with a start, and looked into Elizabeth's eyes; and she smiled back
to him as if to acknowledge the name. Could she read his thoughts? he
wondered.

It was only a few steps across the Square, and Mrs. Benedict and her son
walked to Elizabeth's door with her. He had no opportunity to speak to
Elizabeth alone, but he said as he bade her good-night, "I shall see you
to-morrow, then, in the morning?"

The inflection was almost a question; but Elizabeth only said, "Good
night," and vanished into the house.

"Then you have met her before, George?" asked his mother wonderingly.

"Yes," he answered hurriedly, as if to stop her further question. "Yes, I
have met her before. She is very beautiful, mother."

And because the mother was afraid she migh