To tell you the truth, I followed Miss Thurnbrein here, and I think she'd have done better to have asked for my escort--the escort of the man she's going to marry--before she came here alone at this time of night." Mr.Graveling's ill-humour was explained.

He was of the order of those to whom the ability to conceal their feelings is not given, and he was obviously in a temper.

Maraton's face remained impassive.

The girl, however, stood suddenly erect.

There was a vivid spot of colour in her cheeks.
"You had better keep to the truth, Richard Graveling!" she cried fearlessly.