And this was the girl who, as that rainy, dismal day drew to its close and the sun went down in tears, dressed herself with a firm, unflinching hand, arranging her hair with more than usual care, giving it occasionally a sharp pull, as a kind of escape valve to her feelings and uttering an impatient exclamation whenever a pin proved obstinate and did not at once slip into its place.  She was glad Richard was blind and could not see her swollen eyes, which, in spite of repeated bathings in ice-water and cologne would look red and heavy.  Her voice, however, would betray her, and so she toned it down by warbling snatches of a love song learned ere she knew the meaning of love, save as it was connected with Richard.  It was not Edith Hastings who left that pleasant chamber, moving with an unfaltering step down the winding stairs and across the marble hall, but a half-crazed, defiant woman going on to meet her destiny and biting her lip with vexation when she heard that Richard had company—­college friends, who being in Shannondale on business had come up to see him.

This she learned from Victor, whom she met in the hall, and who added, that he never saw his master appear quite so dissatisfied as when told they were in the library, and would probably pass the night.  Edith readily guessed the cause of his disquiet, and impatiently stamped her little foot upon the marble floor, for she knew their presence would necessarily defer the evil hour, and she could not live much longer in her present state of excitement.

“I was just coming to your room,” said Victor, “to see if you were able to appear in the parlor.  Three men who have not met in years are stupid company for each other; and then Mr. Harrington wants to show you off I dare say.  Pity the widow wasn’t here.”

Victor spoke sarcastically, but Edith merely replied,

“Tell your master I will come in a few minutes.”

Then, with a half feeling of relief, she ran back to her room, bathing her eyes afresh, and succeeding in removing the redness to such an extent, that by lamplight no one would suspect she had been crying.  Her headache was gone, and with spirits somewhat elated, she started again for the parlor where she succeeded in entertaining Richard’s guests entirely to his satisfaction.

It was growing late, and the clock was striking eleven when at last Richard summoned Victor, bidding him show the gentleman to their rooms.  As they were leaving the parlor Edith came to Richard’s side and in a whisper so low that no one heard her, save himself, said to him,

“Tell Victor he needn’t come back.”

He understood her meaning, and said to his valet,

“I shall not need your services to-night.  You may retire as soon as you choose.”

Something in his manner awakened Victor’s suspicions, and his keen eyes flashed upon Edith, who, with a haughty toss of the head, turned away to avoid meeting it again.