It also told Louise something, and her heart, which had given a quick bound at sight of the man's face, began to cry out against Diana Von Taer's artifices.
"Mr.Arthur Weldon," said the hostess, in her soft voice; and now, as the young man turned an eager gaze on Louise and half extended his hand, the girl's face grew pale and she imitated Diana to the extent of dropping her eyes and bowing with frigid indifference.

Standing close he whispered "Louise!" in a pleading tone that made Diana frown wickedly.

But the girl was unresponsive and another instant forced him to turn to Beth.
"Why, Arthur! are you here, then ?" said the girl, in a surprised but cordial tone.
"That is not astonishing, Miss Beth," he replied.

"The puzzling fact is that _you_ are here--and under such auspices," he added, in a lower tone.
Patsy now claimed him, with a frank greeting, and Arthur Weldon could do little more than press her hand when the line forced him to move on and give place to others.
But this especial young fellow occupied the minds of all four girls long after the crowd had swallowed him up.

Diana was uneasy and obviously disturbed by the discovery that he was known to the three cousins, as well as by the memory of his tone as he addressed Louise Merrick.
Louise, who had read Diana's quick glance with the accuracy of an intuitionist, felt a sudden suspicion and dislike for Diana now dominating her.