His words passed unheeded.

His name, very softly but very distinctly, had been announced.

He had no option but to pass into the room and play the cards which fate and his friend had dealt him.
Borrowdean rose to greet his friend.

Mannering, not knowing who his hostess might be, and feeling absolutely no curiosity concerning her, confined his attention wholly to the man whom he had come to seek.
"I did not wish to disturb you here, Borrowdean," he said, quickly, "but if your call is over, could you come away for a few minutes?
I have a matter to discuss with you." Borrowdean smiled slightly, and laid his hand upon the other's shoulder.
"By all means, Mannering," he answered.

"But since you have discovered our little secret, don't you think that you had better speak to our hostess ?" Mannering was puzzled, but his eyes followed Borrowdean's slight gesture.
Berenice, who at the sound of his voice had suddenly abandoned her conversation and risen to her feet, was within a few feet of him.