He had addressed her, but what he said she knew not, beyond a vague idea that it was some slight allusion to the music going on in the next room.

With a smile which would serve for an answer to almost any remark, she hastily plunged into conversation with a composure that did her credit in the eyes of her friends, who stood in awe of the young hero, for all were but just out.
"Mr.Talbot hardly needs an introduction here, for his name is well-known among us, though this is perhaps his first visit to England ?" she said, flattering herself that this artful speech would entrap him into the reply she wanted.
With a slight frown, as if the allusion to his adventure rather annoyed him, and a smile that puzzled all but Lillian, he answered very simply, "It is not my first visit to this hospitable island.

I was here a few years ago, for a short time, and left with regret." "Then you have old friends here ?" And Lillian watched him as she spoke.
"I had.

They had doubtless forgotten me now," he said, with a sudden shadow marring the tranquillity of his face.
"Why doubt them?
If they were true friends, they will not forget." The words were uttered impulsively, almost warmly, but Talbot made no response, except a polite inclination and an abrupt change in the conversation.
"That remains to be proved.

Do you sing, Miss Trevlyn ?" "A little." And Lillian's tone was both cold and proud.
"A great deal, and very charmingly," added Maud, who took pride in her friend's gifts both of voice and beauty.