It was almost Wentworth's first appearance since his trial.

There was a moment or two of dead silence as he sauntered forward with Field.

Then, with a little laugh to cover an instant's embarrassment, Lady Culverleigh came forward.

She shook hands with Wentworth and asked where he had been in retreat.
Violet came forward from the piano very pale but quite composed, and shook hands also.

Several people present followed suit, and soon there was a little crowd gathered round him, and Burleigh Wentworth was again the popular centre of attraction.
Percival Field kept in the background; it was not his way to assert himself in society.