.

IN WHICH HE CLAIMS HIS OWN.
Meanwhile, without a word, Gaston had mounted, ridden to the castle, and passed through the open gates into the court-yard.

Inside he paused.
In the main building many lights were burning.

There came a rattle of wheels behind him, and he shifted to let a carriage pass.

Through the window of the brougham he could see the shimmer of satin, lace, and soft white fur, and he had an instant's glance of a pretty face.
The carriage drew up to the steps, and presently three ladies and a brusque gentleman passed into the hall-way, admitted by powdered footmen.