THE PARIAH Habit assisted them; the irresponsible chatter of the ballroom sprang automatically to their lips; the appearance of enjoyment never failed from off their faces; so that no one at Lennon House that night suspected that any swift cause of severance had come between them.

Harry Feversham watched Ethne laugh and talk as though she had never a care, and was perpetually surprised, taking no thought that he wore the like mask of gaiety himself.

When she swung past him the light rhythm of her feet almost persuaded him that her heart was in the dance.

It seemed that she could even command the colour upon her cheeks.

Thus they both wore brave faces as she had bidden.