She must be so very interesting, the papers said so much about her." Now, while this conversation was going on, some one stood not far behind Marion, who seemed much interested in her and what she said.

But Marion did not see this person.

She was startled presently, however, to hear a strong voice say softly over her shoulder: "What a charming woman Lady Balwood is! And so ingenuous!" She was grateful, tremulous, proud.

Why had he--Captain Vidall--kept out of the way all these weeks, just when she needed him most, just when he should have played the part of a man?
Then she was feeling twinges at the heart, too.

She had seen Lady Agnes Martling that afternoon, and had noticed how the news had worn on her.