The table itself was decorated with cut-glass baskets of Cecil Brunner roses mingled with lilies of the valley and refreshments were distributed to the standing guests as they entered.
The affair was in the nature of a typical "crush," for Diana's list of eligibles included most of the prominent society folk then in town, and she was too important a personage to have her invitations disregarded.
Beth and Patsy were fairly bewildered by the numerous introductions, until names became meaningless in their ears; but Louise, perfectly composed and in no wise distracted by her surroundings or the music of the orchestra and the perpetual buzz of conversation in the crowded rooms, impressed each individual upon her memory clearly, and was not likely to blunder in regard to names or individuality in the future.
This is a rare talent, indeed, and scores, largely in one's favor; for no one likes to think himself so unimportant as to be forgotten, under any circumstances.
It was during the thick of the reception that one of Miss Von Taer's intimates, a graceful blond girl, suddenly seized her arm and whispered: "Oh, Diana! Guess who's here--guess, my dear!" Diana knew.

Her eyes, always narrowed until the lashes shielded their sharp watchfulness, seldom missed observing anything of importance.

She pressed her friend's hand and turned again to the line of guests, while Louise, who had overheard the excited whisper, wondered casually what it might mean.
Soon after she knew.

A tall, handsome young fellow was bowing before Diana, who--wonder of wonders!--for an instant unclosed her great eyes and shot an electric glance into his smiling face.

The glance was brief as unexpected, yet it must have told the young man something, for he flushed and bowed again as if to hide his embarrassment.