After noting that others were observing his desolation, he went resolutely out on the piazza, with the intention of asking Miss Wildmere to give him the last waltz.

Its wide space was deserted.

He waited a few moments, thinking that the object of his thoughts would turn the corner in her promenade with his rival.

Time passed, and she did not come.

He looked through a parlor window, thinking that she might have entered by some other means of ingress; and while he was standing there steps slowly approached from a part of the piazza which was usually in utter darkness, and which was known as the "lovers' retreat." As the figures passed a lighted window he recognized them, and was also observed.