The most popular hostess in London was a little thrilled at the arrival of the moment for which she had planned so carefully.

She laid her hand on Tallente's arm and led him towards a comparatively secluded corner of the winter garden which made her own house famous.

"I must apologise, Mrs.Van Fosdyke," he said, "for my late appearance.

I travelled up from Devonshire this afternoon and found snow all the way.

We were nearly two hours late." "It is all the more kind of you to have turned out at all, then," she told him warmly.