It was embarrassing; he apologised; but her face was not startled; it was not aware of him; it wore a singular expression of resolution.

A very singular expression which, as it were, detained him for a moment.

In order to cover his embarrassment, he made some inane remark on the weather, upon which, instead of returning another inane remark according to the tacit rules of the game, she only gave him a smile of unfathomable meaning.

Nothing could have been more singular.

The good-looking young gentleman of questionable appearance took not the slightest notice of him in the hall.