Yet when she was quite dressed and her mirror bade her take courage she sat down and wrote a note of apology pleading a sudden indisposition.

But she did not send it.

Even in the writing her cowardice came home to her and she tore it up before she had signed her name.

The wheels of the cab which was to take her to the big house rattled down the lane under her windows, and slipping her cloak over her shoulders she ran downstairs.
The party began with a little constraint.

Mr.Hazlewood received his guests in his drawing-room and it had the chill and the ceremony of a room which is seldom used.