He returned to the villa alone, and only just in time to dress for dinner.

Guests were expected, Mr.and Mrs.Bradshaw of Manchester, old acquaintances of the Spences and of Miriam.

When it had become known that Mrs.Baske, advised to pass the winter in a mild climate, was about to accept an invitation from her cousin and go by sea to Naples, the Bradshaws, to the astonishment of all their friends, offered to accompany her.

It was the first time that either of them had left England, and they seemed most unlikely people to be suddenly affected with a zeal for foreign travel.

Miriam gladly welcomed their proposal, and it was put into execution.
When Spence entered the room his friends had already arrived.