The gladness in it made her pity Margaret more.
She thought how horrible it must be to deceive love like that, to hear that joyful tone, and know it all undeserved.

Then suddenly she heard footsteps behind and walked to one side to allow whoever it was to pass, but a man's voice said: "Good evening, Miss Eustace," and Von Rosen had joined her.

He had in truth been waiting like any village beau near Alice Mendon's house for the chance of her emerging alone.
Annie felt annoyed, and yet her heart beat strangely.
"Good evening, Mr.von Rosen," she said and still lingered as if to allow him to pass, but he slowed his own pace and sauntered by her side.
"A fine evening," he remarked tritely.
"Very," agreed Annie.
"I saw you at the evening club," said Von Rosen presently.
"Yes," said Annie, "I was there." "You left early." "Yes, I left quite early with Alice.

I have been with her since." Annie wondered if Mr.von Rosen suspected anything but his next words convinced her that he did not.
"I suppose that you were as much surprised as the rest of us, although you are her intimate friend, at Mrs.Edes' announcement concerning the authorship of that successful novel," said he.
"Yes," said Annie faintly.
"Of course you had no idea that she had written it ?" "No." "Have you read it ?" "Yes." "What do you think of it?
I almost never read novels but I suppose I must tackle that one.

Did you like it ?" "Quite well," said Annie.
"Tell me what is it all about ?" Annie could endure no more.