Lady Elisabeth, in her cool muslin gown and simple hat, seemed to be moving in a world of her own, into which her companion's chatter but rarely penetrated.

She walked with a slow and delicate grace, not without a characteristic touch of languor.
Once or twice she looked around her--one might almost have imagined that she was seeking escape from her companion--and on one of these occasions her eyes met Maraton's.

She stopped short.

They were within a few feet of one another, and Maraton rose to his feet.

She lowered her parasol and held out her hand.
"Only a very short time ago," she told him, "I was wondering what you were doing.