XI

HALF A LIE


"Somewhat unexpected, isn't it?" Harleston asked.

"To whom--you, her, or myself?" Mrs. Spencer inquired.

"To you."

"Not at _all_. I'm never surprised at anything!" Then just a trace of
derision came into her face. "Won't you present me, Mr. Harleston?"

"Certainly, I will," he responded gravely, and arose.

"Another unexpected!" she mocked. "But she _is_ good to look at, Guy, I
must grant you that. Also--" and she laughed lightly.

"One moment," said he tranquilly, and turned toward Mrs. Clephane--who
had caught sight of him and was undecided what to do.

Now, smiling adorably, she came to meet him.

"The two beauties of the season!" he thought; and as he bowed over her
hand he whispered: "Not a word of explanation _now_; and play ignorance
of _everything_.--Understand?"