He hardly doubted that she was won already; and in Cheniston's proud and assured bearing he thought he read the story of that winning.
As he stood against the wall, unconscious of the curious glances directed towards him, the music ceased, and the dancers came pouring out of the ballroom to seek the fresher air without.
Passing him on her partner's arm, Iris suddenly withdrew her hand and turned to greet the late comer.
"Dr. Anstice!" It seemed as though her inward happiness must needs find an outlet, so radiant was the smile with which she greeted him. "You have really come! I thought you had failed us after all."
"No—I was sent for, at the last moment." Something in his strained tone seemed to startle the girl, for her eyes dilated, and with an effort Anstice spoke more lightly. "I couldn't get away, Miss Wayne, but you won't visit my misfortunes on my head, will you? You promised me some dances——"
"One has had to go." She looked down at her card. "I kept the fifth for you, but you may have the next if you like. I did not engage myself for that, thinking"—she paused, then smiled at him frankly—"thinking you might come after all."
Scarcely knowing what he did Anstice made some rejoinder; and then Cheniston, who had turned away for a moment, appeared to observe Anstice for the first time, and giving him a nod said rather curtly:
"Evening, Anstice; you've got here then, after all? Well, Iris, shall we go and get cool after that energetic waltz?"
They drifted out into the hall; and watching them go Anstice told himself again that Cheniston had won the day.