Facing them, on the stone door-step, was the Witch herself, a figure to try the courage of a time-tried hero, let alone the susceptibilities of a small boy in knickers.

Behind Tullis and the Prince were several ladies and gentlemen, all in riding garments and all more or less ill at ease.
Truxton King's heart swelled suddenly; all the world grew bright again for him.

Next to the tall figure of Colonel Quinnox, of the Royal Guard, was the slim, entrancing lady of his most recent dreams--the Prince's aunt! The lady of the grotto! The lady of the goldfish conspiracy! The Countess Marlanx, tall and exquisite, was a little apart from the others, with Baron Dangloss and young Count Vos Engo--whom Truxton was ready to hate because he was a recognised suitor for the hand of the slim, young person in grey.

He thought he had liked her beyond increase in the rajah silk, but now he confessed to himself that he was mistaken.
He liked her better in a grey riding habit.

It struck him sharply, as he sat there in the saddle, that she would be absolutely and adorably faultless in point lace or calico, in silk or gingham, low-neck or high.
He was for riding boldly up to this little group, but a very objectionable lieutenant barred the way, supported in no small measure by the defection of Mr.Hobbs, who announced in a hoarse, agitated whisper that he's "be 'anged if he'd let any man make a fool of him twice over." The way was made easy by the intervention of the alert young woman in grey.