“No doubt,” Everet observed; and then, after conversing a few moments longer upon indifferent topics, having obtained all the points he wished, he arose to take his leave.
His chief object in calling had been to assure himself that he had not been misinformed regarding any of the details of the approaching marriage.
His next plan was to meet Gladys somewhere, if possible.
It was easy enough to do this, by securing invitations to the receptions among the elite, and a few evenings later he found her at a fashionable party on Lexington avenue.
She seemed lovelier than ever, with the rosy glow of perfect health on her face, her beautiful eyes gleaming with happiness, and her lips wreathed with smiles.
Her dress, on this occasion, was vastly becoming, consisting of a deep shade of ecru, embroidered with a delicate shade of blue intermingled with silver. Ornaments of silver in filigree, and set with diamonds, were on her neck and arms, while a graceful aigrette of blue and white was fastened in her hair by a star, to match her other ornaments.
She started slightly as she met Everet Mapleson’s glance fixed upon her. He was so much like Geoffrey that it was almost impossible, even now, for her to distinguish them apart.
The next moment he was bowing before her, with extended hand.
“It seems a long time since we met, Miss Huntress,” he said, in a tone which deepened the color in her cheeks, for it reminded her vividly of not only their last meeting, but also their parting.
But she thought best to ignore it all, and so returned his greeting with lady-like courtesy.