It seemed to both his mother and Sir John, as they watched him steadily moving in and out amongst the throng--for it was the height of the season, and Lady Marfield's big drawing-room in Chesterfield Gardens was crowded--that he was making his way to a definite spot, as though just at this moment he had a definite appointment.
"He changed his mind at the last moment," said Sir John with a laugh, which gave to him the look of a boy.

"Let us see who it is that has brought him up from Chatham to London at the last moment!" "Would it be fair ?" asked Mrs.Linforth reluctantly.

She was, indeed, no less curious upon the point than her companion, and while she asked the question, her eyes followed her son's movements.

He was tall, and though he moved quickly and easily, it was possible to keep him in view.
A gap in the crowd opened before them, making a lane--and at the end of the lane they saw Linforth approach a lady and receive the welcome of her smile.

For a moment the gap remained open, and then the bright frocks and black coats swept across the space.