Mavis followed Mrs Hamilton to the drawing-room, where a man rose at
their entrance, to whom Mavis was introduced as Miss Devereux.

He scarcely glanced at Mavis, gave her the most formal of bows, and,
as the few remarks he made were directed to Mrs Hamilton, the girl
had plenty of time in which to observe him. He was elderly, tall,
distinguished-looking. He had the indefinable air of being, not only
a man of wealth, but a "somebody." She was chiefly attracted by his
grey eyes, which seemed dead and lifeless. The underlids of these
were pencilled with countless small lines, which, with the weary,
dull eyes, seemed quite out of keeping with the otherwise keenly
intellectual face.

Mavis secretly resented the man's indifference to her comeliness. A
few minutes later, the servant opened the door to announce Mr
Williams, whereupon a tall, sun-bronzed, smart-looking man sauntered
into the room. Something in his carriage and face suggested soldier
to Mavis's mind. He was by no means handsome, but what might have
been a somewhat plain face was made pleasant-looking by the deep
sunburn and the kindliness of his expression.

Williams shook hands with Mrs Hamilton, nodded to Ellis, and then
turned to Mavis. Directly he saw her, a look of surprise came into
his face; the girl could not help seeing how greatly he was struck
by her appearance. Mrs Hamilton introduced them, when he at once
came to her side.

"Just think of it," he said, "I was in no hurry to get here. If I
had only known!"