A harder-hearted man than Malcolm would have been touched by Anna's innocent happiness and her shy pride in her handsome young lover.

"Does she not look lovely!" Elizabeth had said to him in a low voice as they were all gathered on the terrace after dinner.

And indeed the girl looked very fair and sweet in her white silk dress, with a row of pearls clasped round her soft throat.

"You are right; and yet I never thought Anna really pretty," he returned in a cool, critical tone.

"Happiness is generally a beautifier, and my little girl certainly looks her best to-night." And then he went after them; and Elizabeth saw that Anna was hanging on his arm as they went down the steps and that Cedric's hand was on his shoulder.
"How happy they are!" she thought a little enviously; "they are both devoted to him, and he certainly returns their affection.