In front came Mrs.Hooper, spectacled, her small nose in air, the corners of her mouth sharply drawn down.

Then Dr.Ewen, grey-haired, tall and stooping; then Alice, pretty, self-conscious, provincial, and spoilt by what seemed an inherited poke; and finally a slim and stately young person in white satin, who carried her head and her long throat with a remarkable freedom and self-confidence.

The head was finely shaped, and the eyes brilliant; but in the rest of the face the features were so delicate, the mouth, especially, so small and subtle, as to give a first impression of insignificance.

The girl seemed all eyes and neck, and the coils of brown hair wreathed round the head were disproportionately rich and heavy.

The Master observing her said to himself--"No beauty!" Then she smiled--at Sorell apparently, who was making his way towards her--and the onlooker hurriedly suspended judgment.