Alpine Belmont, all in a flutter of surprise and delight, was making herself beautiful, with her maid's assistance, for the eyes of a caller who was waiting for her in the drawing-room.
Ten minutes ago a card had been brought to her bearing the name of "Ralph Chainey."
"He asked for Mrs. Carew first, but I told him she was out; then he sent his card to you," said Jones.
Alpine's heart leaped with wild delight.
She was as romantically in love with the gifted and handsome young actor as was possible to one of her vain and selfish nature.
After Kathleen's death she had cherished some hope of winning him, but his coldness and indifference had been so marked, and his despair over Kathleen's loss so deep, that in angry pique she had given up her hopes, and determined to console herself with her newly acquired wealth.
The novelty of her position as a great heiress had for a time diverted her thoughts, but of late they had returned to him again, and rested longingly on her desire to win his heart.
So the sudden announcement of his presence filled her with joyful anticipations.
Her maid was hurriedly summoned to array her mistress for the coming interview.
In the servants' hall, a little later, she expressed the opinion that the gentleman must be a very particular beau, as the lady was so hard to please.