They were shouting with laughter at a joke which made her blush, and one dragged a companion in by the arm.

Another, breaking off from rude horse-play, came toward her with a drunken leer.

She shrank from his hot face and wine-laden breath as she drew back, wondering how she could reach her father, who stood in the doorway trying to restrain his guests.

Then a young man sprang forward, with disgust and anger in his brown face, and she felt that she was safe.

He looked clean and wholesome by contrast with the rest, and his movements were swift and athletic.