The manner of the laugh puzzled her companion, but, just as he was about to put a question, the General and the young lady paused in front, to let the rest of the party come up with them.

Miss Floyd proposed a seat a little way down the slope, where they might wait the half-hour appointed.
That half-hour passed quickly for all concerned.

In looking back upon it afterwards two of the party were conscious that it had all hung upon one person.

Daphne Floyd sat beside the General, who paid her a half-reluctant, half-fascinated attention.

Without any apparent effort on her part she became indeed the centre of the group who sat or lay on the grass.