Through the windows nothing could be seen but a tempestuous whirl of flakes.
Lilian's cat, which had accompanied her in a basket, could not as yet make itself at home on the hearthrug, and was glad of a welcome to its mistress's lap.

Denzil lit a pipe and studied the political news of the day.
At four o'clock he waited impatiently the call of his relatives.
Lilian, unable to command her agitation, had gone into another room, and was there counting the minutes as if each cost her a drop of heart's blood.

If this first meeting were but over! All else seemed easy, could she but face Denzil's sister without betrayal of her shame and dread.

At length she heard wheels roll up to the door; there were voices in the hall; Denzil came forth with loud and joyous greeting; he led his visitors into the library.

Five minutes more of anguish, and the voices were again audible, approaching, at the door.
"Well, Lily, here is my sister and Mr.Liversedge," said Denzil.