The crush in the beautiful rooms grew greater and greater. Voices sounded close to Barbara. She feared any moment that her hiding place might be discovered; if so, good-by to the treat she had promised herself when Dick Pelham appeared. Presently one or two men came and stood just outside the velvet curtain. They talked and laughed, and once or twice Mrs. Evershed’s name passed their lips. One said to the other— “Those difficulties which Saunderson spoke of last night at the club cannot be true. She would not be so mad as to entertain in this lavish style if they were.” “Oh, she does it for a blind,” was the reply of the other. “There is no way of keeping up your credit like keeping up your debts. She is a fool of course. By the way, they say that handsome girl of hers might help her if she would.” “By marrying Selwyn?” said the other. “Aye. Why not? By marrying Selwyn and saving the position.” The first man made an impatient movement. “I hope the girl has too much self-respect,” he said then. Barbara shivered behind her curtain. Very little more would have made her scream. Her silk dress made a slight noise as it rustled against the balcony. “Hush, there may be some one near,” said the first speaker. The men moved away, and Barbara stepped on to the balcony. She leant over the parapet and pressed her hands to her hot cheeks. “It is too bad,” thought the angry girl; “even in mother’s own house they will not leave her alone. I know who those men are, of course. I recognized Mr. Ashford’s voice, and the other is Mr. Seton. So our affairs are the common talk of the clubs, and it is really expected that I am to rescue mother by making a loveless marriage. But I won’t—my life is my own; I decline to sacrifice myself.” “I am glad to find you at last,” said a voice in her ears. “I have been looking for you everywhere. Why are you hiding yourself?” “The rooms are so hot,” answered Barbara shortly. “How do you do, Dr. Tarbot?” The man held out his hand, which Barbara just touched with her long, slim fingers. His was a somewhat striking personality, and yet he was not the least good-looking. He was of medium height, thin in build: his brow was broad and lofty, his eyebrows well marked, and his deep gray eyes were full of light. That strange light was never absent from the eyes, which in themselves were somewhat pale in color, but with their black irises and black surroundings made an important addition to a decidedly remarkable face. The man’s mouth was firm and cut in a straight line. He made the most of his height, holding himself very erect, and now he looked full and boldly into Barbara’s eyes. The balcony was softly lit, and the girl could be seen quite distinctly. The electric light, which was covered with glass globes formed in the shape of lilies, gave her an unreal appearance.