He passed the hours till dinner in rather comfortless solitude.
But at dinner he was opposite Cecily, and he thought he had never seen her so brilliant.

Perhaps the day in the open air--there was a fresh breeze--had warmed the exquisite colour of her cheeks and given her eyes an even purer radiance than of wont.

The dress she wore was not new to him, but its perfection made stronger appeal to his senses than previously.

How divine were the wreaths and shadowings of her hair! With what gracile loveliness did her neck bend as she spoke to Mrs.
Lessingham! What hand ever shone with more delicate beauty than hers in the offices of the meal?
It pained him to look at Madeline and make comparison.
Moreover, Cecily met his glance, and smiled--smiled with adorable frankness.

From that moment he rejoiced at what had taken place to-day.
It had left him his complete freedom.