"And she's beginning to wear her evening gowns on the street in the
morning. Besides, her shoes lob over at the heels," remarked the rangy
Mrs. Carter.

"Yes, she's getting to be thoroughly English. I've noticed a tendency
to chirp like a bird when she talks, too."

"That governess is a mighty stunning girl, by the way," said Rolfe.

"She's been over here a year, you know," said Mrs. Scudaway, with no
apparent relevancy.

"Have you heard when Eleanor's engagement is to be announced?" asked
Miss Ratliff.

"I'm not supposed to tell, but I have it on the best authority that it
will be announced next week, and the wedding will take place in
November. I suppose they'll ask Joe Dauntless to be an usher," said
Mrs. Carter.

"Hello! Joe's gone outside. He must have heard something we said,"
said Rolfe, setting his highball glass down with a thump.

"Oh, if he had only been educated at Cambridge instead of in
Cambridge," mourned Mrs. Carter.

It was true that the tall, good-looking Mr. Dauntless had left the
room, but not because he had heard the comments of his friends. He was
standing on the wind-swept verandah, peering through the mist toward a
distant splash of light across the ravine to the right of the club