Arthur Bervie is a man in a thousand; but he's fast becoming a perfect bear under the strain on his temper.

What's the matter?
You don't seem to be listening to me." This last remark was perfectly justified.

In telling the Captain's love-story, Major Mulvany had revived his young friend's memory of the lady in the blue dress, who had haunted the visions of Doctor Lagarde.
"Tell me," said Percy, "what is Miss Bowmore like?
Is there anything remarkable in her personal appearance?
I have a reason for asking." As he spoke, there arose among the guests in the rapidly-filling ballroom a low murmur of surprise and admiration.

The Major laid one hand on Percy's shoulder, and, lifting the other, pointed to the door.
"What is Miss Bowmore like ?" he repeated.

"There she is! Let her answer for herself." Percy turned toward the lower end of the room.
A young lady was entering, dressed in plain silk, and the color of it was a pale blue! Excepting a white rose at her breast, she wore no ornament of any sort.