Come and be introduced." She took her father's arm, and moved on with him to the door of the greenhouse.

At the steps, she turned and looked round to see if Frank was following her.

It was only the action of a moment; but in that moment her natural firmness of will rallied all its resources--strengthened itself with the influence of her beauty -- commanded--and conquered.

She looked lovely: the flush was tenderly bright in her cheeks; the radiant pleasure shone and sparkled in her eyes; the position of her figure, turned suddenly from the waist upward, disclosed its delicate strength, its supple firmness, its seductive, serpentine grace.

"Come!" she said, with a coquettish beckoning action of her head.