Yet he had got to his feet with that intention; it was only after he had looked into Hamlin's face and asked his name, that he began to hedge and draw back.

Could he have recognized him?
Could Mrs.Dupont have warned him of danger in his direction?
That would seem impossible, for the woman had not been with him for even a minute since their conversation.

She had given him a swift signal at the door of the dance hall, but that could scarcely account for his present desire to avoid trouble.

An engagement?
Probably with Mrs.Dupont.

But what was the use of speculating?
Perhaps when the girl came she would have some light to throw on these matters.