“Fosse, you are sometimes inspired.... You are inspired to-night.... I have never known you so inspired.”

Fosse smirked:

“Well, anyway,” he said—and he grew taller as he said it—“I think that to-morrow I shall have convinced many that, to create a masterpiece, requires a man’s powers and a man’s wit and——”

“Mr. Anthony Bickersteth!”

The old butler stood at the door and sang out the name, making the announcement in a loud clear voice.

A sudden hush fell upon the assembled guests. There was a craning towards the great open doors.

A rustle of silk, and Caroline Baddlesmere stepped into their sight.

The silence was broken by a hoarse utterance from Fosse:

“My God!” said he; and was dumb.

There was a loud shout from the bohemians, who rushed to greet Caroline; but the smile that had flickered about her lips went out.