hands they felt at once, after one glance at Cecil and then at each
other, that they were more than friends--they were almost accomplices.

By one of those fortunate social accidents that are always occurring in
London, Lord Selsey had met Hyacinth and Anne Yeo at a party the day
before, had been introduced to them, and invited them to hear Ranger and
Butt. Hyacinth, aware she was to meet Mrs Raymond, wore her loveliest
clothes and sweetest expression, though she could not keep out of her
eyes a certain anxiety, especially when she saw that Cecil greeted her
with a slight, cold embarrassment that was very different from his usual
manner. He had not expected to meet Hyacinth, and resolved to avoid the
introduction he knew she desired. But no man is a match for a woman in a
detail of this sort. In the refreshment-room, where Cecil was pressing
coffee on Mrs Raymond, Hyacinth walked in, accompanied by Anne, and
stood not very far from him. He came up to her, as Hyacinth saw, at Mrs
Raymond's instigation.

'Can I get you anything, Miss Vemey? Some tea?'

'Thanks, yes. Isn't that Mrs Raymond? I do wish you would introduce me
to her.'

Mrs Raymond came forward. Cecil murmured their names. They shook hands.
Mrs Raymond looked at her with such impulsive admiration that she
dropped a piece of cake. They spoke a few words about the music, and
Cecil moved aside.

Anne called him back, not wishing to see him spared anything.

'You mustn't,' said Cecil, 'on any account miss the next thing. It is