into the dimly lighted room. Mr. Sandys, a fine-looking robust man,
clean-shaven, curly-haired, carefully and clerically dressed, was
standing by Mrs. Graves; he came forward and shook hands. "I am
delighted to make your acquaintance, Mr. Kennedy," he said, "though
indeed I seem to know a great deal about you from Jack. You are
quite a hero of his, you know, and I want to thank you for all your
kindness to him. I am looking forward to having a good talk with
you about his future. By the way, here is my daughter, Maud, who is
quite as anxious to see you as I am." A figure sitting in a corner,
talking to Miss Merry, rose up, came forward into the light, and
held out her hand with rather a shy smile.

Howard was amazed at what he saw. Maud had an extraordinary
likeness to her brother, but with what a difference! Howard saw in
an instant what it was that had haunted him in the aspect of Jack.
This was what he seemed to have discerned all the time, and what
had been baffling him. He knew that she was nineteen, but she
looked younger. She was not, he thought, exactly beautiful--but how
much more than beautiful; she was very finely and delicately made,
and moved with an extraordinary grace; pale and fair, but with a
look of perfect health; her features were very small, and softly
rather than finely moulded; she had the air of some flower--a lily
he thought--which was emphasised by her simple white dress. The
under-lip was a little drawn in, which gave the least touch of
melancholy to the face; but she had clear blue trustful eyes, the
expression of which moved him in a very singular manner, because
they seemed to offer a sweet and frank confidence. Her self-
possession gave the least little sense of effort. He took the small
firm and delicate hand in his, and was conscious of something
strong and resolute in the grasp of the tiny fingers. She murmured