"Only think!" said Grace; "I have never in all my life been to a good, big ball, never!"
"The novelty may amuse you certainly; the only thing is, that if you do not know many people it is very dull looking on and seeing others dancing and talking. If I am there I can take care of you and introduce some men to you at any rate."
"You certainly are a most delightful friend," said Grace, enthusiastically, "and I really do not know how to thank you enough!"
"It is a great pleasure doing anything for you, Miss Rivers. I think you know why!"
"Oh, yes, indeed I do. It is for Margaret."
"Did she tell you I met her accidentally? I got into her railway-carriage without knowing she was there."
"She never told me," said Grace; "Mr. Stevens escorted her till all the changes and junctions and things were passed."
"Who is Mr. Stevens?"
"He was Mr. Drayton's manager, and mixed up in his affairs. I thought you might have seen him at Wandsworth. He came to the rescue at that terrible time."
"I saw no one but her then," he said, in a lower voice. "Miss Rivers, do you think she will forget all that frightful business?"