They saw a beautiful face at the window.
"It is Vivian Deane," said Mr. Mallard.
Hollis looked surprised.
"I hope, my dear boy," he said in a tone of jest, beneath which was certainly a vein of earnestness, "that Miss Deane has got over her mad infatuation for you, now that she knows you are married!"
Mr. Mallard looked thoughtful.
"I suppose you are wondering why I invited her here," he said, slowly, "and I may as well tell you the truth, that you will not for a moment imagine I sent for her to indulge in a flirtation. Miss Deane wrote me that she was coming to pay my wife a fortnight's visit, so what could I do. Without waiting to receive a reply from me, here she is. You will come with me, and welcome her?"
"Certainly," said Hollis, understanding Eugene's position.
Miss Deane looked exceedingly annoyed as the two men approached.
She had calculated upon meeting Eugene alone. She meant to tell him in a few words that her life was ruined because of his marriage. Now she could only exchange the merest formal greeting. Biting her red lips fiercely, and forcing a smile to them, she held out her hand.
"I am so delighted at seeing you again, Mr. Mallard," she declared, giving Hollis a stiff, haughty bow.