"I never thought he'd be half so good-looking when he grew up," she
said. "And yet somehow he hasn't altered much, has he?"

"He hasn't altered in manner in the least," Mrs. Wyatt laughed. "Fancy
him remembering about your perfect man, Christine? We must ask him to
dinner one night while we are in London. How funny, meeting him like
this. I always liked him so much. I wonder he hasn't got married,
though--a charming boy like that!" But her voice sounded as if she
were rather pleased to find Challoner still a bachelor.

"I don't know why he should be married," Christine said. "He's not
very old--only twenty-seven, mother."

"Is that all? Yes, I suppose he is--the time goes so quickly."

Challoner, meanwhile, had raced off to the back of the stage. He could
not imagine how on earth he had even for one second forgotten his
appointment. He was flushed with remorse and eagerness when he reached
Cynthia's room.

A dresser was retouching her hair. Challoner waited impatiently till
Cynthia sent her away. It occurred to him that she was deliberately
detaining her. He bit his lip.

But at last she was dismissed, and the door had hardly closed before he
stepped forward.

"Darling!" his eager arms were round her. "Are you angry with me? Did
you think I had forgotten? I met some old friends--at least, they