So the young men came upon her unawares, and when Lord Chester saw her he started with keen delight at the lovely vision. When he had told Ethel how much he admired her sister's portrait she had answered that it was flattered, that Precious was not half so beautiful.
He realized instantly that Ethel had spoken falsely that day.
Precious Winans, in her white gown and with her pearl-fair face, velvet-blue eyes, and cloud of golden ringlets, was the most exquisite beauty he had ever beheld. She looked like a young angel strayed away from paradise, and when she raised to his her liquid eyes, so clear and innocent, he saw mirrored in their depths a pure, true soul.
Then Earle said in his most genial tone:
"Precious, this is Lord Chester. You must be very friendly with him, for some day he will be your brother. He tells me he is engaged to Ethel."
"I am very glad," Precious answered simply.
She rose and put out her hand to him. He clasped it a moment with lingering pressure, and while he held it felt himself grow dizzy with a rapture so keen it was akin to pain.
"From my swift blood that went and came,
A thousand little shafts of flame
Were shivered in my narrow frame."
He murmured something in a low voice, he scarcely knew what; then Earle said carelessly:
"I will leave you two to entertain each other while I go over and tease Norah a little."