That, of itself, was not much to speak of, but what followed was something that not even he could have dreamed of if he had been given the chance.

He afterward recalled, in some distress of mind, that his second quick glance at the newcomer developed into little less than a rude stare of admiration.

Small wonder, let it be advanced in his defence.
She was astoundingly fair to look upon--dazzling, it might be said, with some support to the adjective.

Moreover, she was looking directly into his eyes from her unstable position near the door; what was more, a shy, even mischievous, smile crept into her face as her glance caught his.
Never had he seen a more exquisite face than hers; never had he looked upon a more perfect picture of grace and loveliness and--aye, smartness.
She was smiling with unmistakable friendliness and recognition, and yet he could have sworn he had not seen her before in his life.

As if he could have forgotten such a face! A sudden sense of enchantment swept over him, indescribable, yet delicious.
She was coming toward him--still smiling shyly, her lips parted as if she were breathing quickly from fear or another emotion.