Mr.Somerset the elder came in, but nobody with him.

His seat was on Paula's left hand, Mrs.
Goodman being on Paula's right, so that all the conversation was between the Academician and the younger lady.

When the latter had again retired upstairs with her aunt, Mrs.Goodman expressed regret that young Mr.
Somerset was absent from the table.

'Why has he kept away ?' she asked.
'I don't know--I didn't ask,' said Paula sadly.

'Perhaps he doesn't care to meet us again.' 'That's because you didn't explain.' 'Well--why didn't the old man give me an opportunity ?' exclaimed the niece with suppressed excitement.