She heard a ring. Every sign of anxiety disappeared from her face. She was beaming, and got back into the old attitude, holding the book. She could hear her heart beating while there was some parley in the hall. Unable to bear it any more, she opened the door. It was someone with a parcel. 'What is it?' 'It's only the new candle-shades, miss. Shall I bring them in for you to see?' 'No, thank you....' Candle-shades! She put her hands over her eyes and summoned all her pride. Probably the very butler and her maid knew perfectly well she had been waiting at home alone for Mr Reeve. She cared absolutely nothing what they thought; but she felt bitter, revengeful to him. It was cruel. Why did she care so much? She remembered letters and scenes with other people--people whose sufferings about her she felt always inclined to laugh at. She couldn't believe in it. Love in books had always seemed to her, although intensely interesting, just a trifle absurd. She couldn't realise it till now. Another ring. Perhaps it was he after all! ... The same position. The book, the bright blue eyes.... The door opened; Anne came in. It was striking seven o'clock. CHAPTER XIX Eugenia Meanwhile Cecil had received a note from his uncle, asking him to go and see him. He decided he would do so on his way to see Hyacinth. For many days now he had not seen Mrs Raymond. She had answered no letters, and been always 'out' to him. As he walked along, he wondered what had become of her, and tried to think he didn't care. 'I have news for you, Cecil,' said his uncle; 'but, first, you really have made up your mind, haven't you, to try your luck with Hyacinth? What a pretty perfumed name it is--just like her.' 'I suppose I shall try.' 'Good. I'm delighted to hear it. Then in a very short time I shall hear that you're as happy as I am.' 'As you, Uncle Ted?' 'Look at this house, Cecil. It's full of Things; it wants looking after. I want looking after.... I am sure you wouldn't mind--wouldn't be vexed to hear I was going to marry again?' 'Rather not. I'm glad. It must be awfully lonely here sometimes. But I am surprised, I must say. Everybody looks upon you as a confirmed widower, Uncle Ted.' 'Well, so I have been a confirmed widower--for eighteen years. I think that's long enough.' Cecil waited respectfully. Then his uncle said abruptly-- 'I saw Mrs Raymond yesterday.' Cecil started and blushed. 'Did you? Where did you meet her?' 'I didn't meet her. I went to see her. I spent two hours with her.' Cecil stared in silent amazement. 'It was my fourth visit,' said Lord Selsey. 'You spent all that time talking over my affairs?' His uncle gave a slight smile. 'Indeed not, Cecil. After the first few minutes of the first visit, frankly, we said very little about you.' 'But I don't understand.' 'I've been all this time trying to persuade her to something--against her judgement. I've been trying to persuade her to marry.' 'To marry me?'