"Had the pleasure of dining with you at the 'Ambassador's' one night, before the show, you know--last September I think it was. Charley Pevenill was our host. My name is Armytage--Lord Ernest Armytage." Anna had suddenly stiffened. She regarded the young man coldly. Her tone was icy. "I am afraid that you are making a mistake," she said. "I was never at any such dinner, and I am quite sure that I do not know you." "Perhaps you remember me, Miss Pellissier," the second young man interposed. "I had the pleasure of--er--meeting you more than once, I believe." A spot of colour flared in Anna's cheek as she glanced towards the speaker. Something in his smile, in the cynical suggestiveness of his deferential tone, maddened her. "To the best of my belief," she said, with quiet dignity, "I have never seen either of you before in my life." For a fraction of a second the two young men hesitated. Then the foremost bowed and passed on. "I am exceedingly sorry," he said. "Pray accept my apologies." "And mine," murmured his companion, with the smile still lingering upon his lips. They took their places at a distant table. Anna sat quite still for a moment, and then the colour suddenly returned to her cheeks. She laughed softly, and leaned across the table. "Do not look so uncomfortable, both of you," she begged. "Those young men startled me at first, because they knew my name. I am quite sure though that they did not mean to be rude." "Impudent beggars," Sydney growled. "I never wanted to kick any one so much in my life as that second fellow." "I think," Anna said, "that it was only his manner. Do look at this tragedy in mauve, who has just come in. What can she be? The wife of a country tradesman, or a duchess? And such a meek little husband too. What can she have done to deserve such a fate? Oh!" They both turned round at Anna's exclamation. A familiar figure was making his way towards them. Sydney sprang up. "Why, it's David!" he exclaimed. "Hullo!" Courtlaw, haggard, his deep-set eyes more brilliant than ever, took Anna's hand into his, and breathed a little close drawn sigh of content. He was introduced to Brendon, and a chair was brought by an attentive waiter. He declined supper, but took wine. "Have you dropped from the skies?" Sydney asked wonderingly. "It was only yesterday I had your letter, and you never mentioned coming over." "I had some unexpected business," Courtlaw answered shortly. "And how did you find us here?" "I called at Montague Street a few minutes after you had left. Mrs. White told me where to find you." He leaned back in his chair as though wearied. Yet either the rest or the wine seemed already to have done him good. The lines about his mouth gradually softened. He talked very little and rather absently. In no way could he be said to contribute to the gaiety of the little party. But when they were on their way out he whispered in Anna's ear.