Rooke made a delightful host, pulling out one canvas after another and pouring out a stream of amusing little tales concerning the oddities of various sitters.
Presently the door opened and the maid ushered in yet another visitor.
Nan, standing rather apart by one of the bay windows at the far end of the room, was examining a rough sketch, in black and white.

She caught her breath suddenly at the sound of the newcomer's voice.
"I couldn't get here earlier, as I promised, Rooke, and I'm afraid the daylight's gone.

However, I've no doubt Mrs.Van Decken will look equally charming by artificial light.

In fact, I should have said it was her natural element." Nan, screened from the remainder of the room by the window embrasure, let the sketch she was holding flutter to the ground.
The quiet, drawling voice was Peter's! And he didn't know she was here! It would be horrible--horrible to meet him suddenly like this.

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