It was a new sensation for Waymark as he sank into a soft chair, and, in speaking, lowered his voice, to suit the quietness of the room.

The soft lamp-light spreading through the coloured shade, the just perceptible odour of scent when Mrs.
Enderby stirred, the crackling of the welcome fire, filled him with a sense of luxury to which he was not accustomed.

He looked at Maud.

She was beautiful in her evening dress; and, marking the grave, sweet thoughtfulness of her face, the grace of her movements, the air of purity which clung about her, his mind turned to Ida Starr, and experienced a shock at the comparison.

Where was Ida at this moment?
The mere possibilities which such a question brought before his mind made him uneasy, almost as if he had forgotten himself and uttered aloud some word all unfit for ladies' ears.