Here was she, Annie Eustace, engaged to be married and to the right man.

The combination was astounding.

Annie had been conscious ever since she had first seen him, that Karl von Rosen dwelt at the back of her thoughts, but she was rather a well disciplined girl.

She had not allowed herself the luxury of any dreams concerning him and herself.

She had not considered the possibility of his caring for her, not because she underestimated herself, but because she overestimated him.