He was watching and waiting with a strange smile. He could read the meaning in his sister's eyes; she was longing to know more of the beautiful girl who had sprang like a fairy to her side.
With a faint flush, Lady Lilian said:
"You—you are a stranger, are you not? I mean you do not live here?"
"Yes," said Stella; "I live"—and she smiled and pointed to the cottage across the meadow—"there."
Lady Lilian started, and Lord Leycester seized the moment, and coming down, quietly stood by Stella's side.
"Leycester!" exclaimed Lilian, with a start of surprise.
He smiled into her eyes, his strange, masterful, irresistible smile. It was as if he had said, "Did I not tell you? Can you withstand her?"
But aloud he said:
"Let me make the introduction in due form. This is Miss Etheridge, Lilian. Miss Etheridge, this is my sister. As the French philosopher said, 'Know each other.'"
Lady Lilian held out her hand.