Such things have been, I hear." And he bowed almost to the ground in his half sarcastic homage.
"Evelyn Blake! It is long since I have heard that name," she murmured.
He could not restrain the quick flush from mounting to his brow.

"Pardon me," said he, "if it brings you sadness or unwelcome memories.

I promise you I will not so transgress again." A wan smile crossed her lips grown suddenly pallid.
"You mistake," said she; "if my name brings up a past laden with bitter memories and shadowed by regret, it also recalls much that is pleasant and never to be forgotten.

I do not object to hearing my girlhood's name uttered--by my nearest relative." The answer was dignity itself.

"Your name is Countess De Mirac, your relatives must be proud to utter it." A gleam not unlike the lightning's quick flash shot from the eyes she drooped before him.
"Is it Holman Blake I am listening to," said she; "I do not recognize my old friend in the cool and sarcastic man of the world now before me." "We often fail to recognize the work of our hands, madame, after it has fallen from our grasp." "What," she cried, "do you mean--would you say that--" "I would say nothing," interrupted he calmly, stooping for the fan she had dropped.