were a little sunken, and there were lines about his mouth which one
might have guessed had been brought out recently by pain or suffering
of some sort. His left arm reclined uselessly in a black silk sling.
He glanced around the little assembly.

"First of all," he said, bowing to the French actress and raising her
fingers to his lips, "there is no one who does not know Madame
Selarne. Lady Patrick, we have met before, haven't we? I am going to
see your husband in his new play the first night I am allowed out.
Mr. Daniell I have met, and Lord Romsey may perhaps do me the honour
of remembering me," he added, shaking hands with the Cabinet
Minister.

He turned to face Geraldine Conyers, who had been watching him with
interest. Lady Anselman at once introduced them.

"I know that you haven't met Miss Conyers because she has been asking
about you. This is my nephew Ronnie, Geraldine. I hope that you will
be friends."

The girl murmured something inaudible as she shook hands. The young
soldier looked at her for a moment. His manner became almost serious.

"I hope so, too," he said quietly.

"Olive, come and make friends with my nephew if you can spare a
moment from your young man," Lady Anselman continued. "Captain
Granet--Miss Olive Moreton. And this is Geraldine's
brother--Lieutenant Conyers."