The situation had its difficulties for the guests--perfect guests as they were.

Every one was aware of a dramatic incident, for which there had been no preparation save Sir William's remark that a grandson had arrived from the North Pole or thereabouts; and to continue conversation and appear casual put their resources to some test.

But they stood it well, though their eyes were busy, and the talk was cheerfully mechanical.

So occupied were they with Gaston's entrance, that they did not know how near Lady Dargan came to fainting.
At the button-hole of the coat worn by Gaston hung a tiny piece of red ribbon which she had drawn from her sleeve on the terrace twenty-seven years ago, and tied there with the words: "Do you think you will wear it till we meet again ?" And the man had replied: "You'll not see me without it, pretty girl--pretty girl." A woman is not so unaccountable after all.

She has more imagination than a man; she has not many resources to console her for disappointments, and she prizes to her last hour the swift moments when wonderful things seemed possible.