For now she knew that she had a champion at her side, a man professionally brave, both resolute and charming.

Her promise to meet Alan Hawke again at the jeweler's now took on a roseate hue.
"I must surely keep my plighted word at all risks," she murmured to herself.

For the sage reflection that she owed a sacred duty to her sister's friend, now came to comfort her, in her heart of hearts.

It was almost a pious duty which lay before her now.

And so she became brave in the knowledge of the innocent secret shared between herself and the handsome official visitor.
To her delight and relief she found it an easy task to face Hugh Johnstone, after that one reassuring glance.