A moment later, Montague Pendleton came in sight. Instantly the occurrence of yesterday at the Club--Pendleton's pre-nuptial admiration, together with the rumors current at that time, flashed to his mind. He leaned forward and bent his eyes on Stephanie's face--to meet her amusing glance. "Perhaps he _does_ come!" he said. "Perhaps I am _de trop_." "Then why don't you go?" she asked indifferently. It was like a blow in the face--and it angered as a blow--sharply, hotly. He took a step toward her--recovered himself--stopped--glared at her an instant--then faced Pendleton, who was just at hand, and motioned for him to stop. Instantly Pendleton drew rein and dismounted. His surprise he concealed under the well-bred air of courteous greeting. "What does it mean?" he thought. "Have they become reconciled--is it a chance meeting--has Stephanie reconsidered--has Lorraine made his peace for the affront of yesterday?" One glance at Lorraine's face, however, answered him. There had been no reconciliation--no peace made; rather had the breach widened, if that were possible. He put his arm through his bridle-rein, and coming forward took Stephanie's hand and pressed it meaningly--and got an answering pressure back. Then he nodded pleasantly to Lorraine. "You will pardon me for intruding!" Lorraine exclaimed. "I didn't realize, until a moment ago, that Mrs. Lorraine had an appointment here with you." Pendleton understood a little now--and he turned to Stephanie with a politely interrogating air. "Mr. Lorraine seems to be laboring under some excitement, Stephanie," he said, "may I ask you to explain--if you think it worth while. I'll not misunderstand, however, if you do not." "Mr. Lorraine does me the honor to think that I have an appointment to meet you here--and that he has discovered us," she answered, unperturbed. "Is that what you mean, Lorraine?" Pendleton inquired. "That is exactly what I mean," he burst out. "Else why do I find her here and waiting--and why do you come?" "Don't be foolish, Lorraine," said Pendleton kindly.--"You don't mean that--you're overwrought and nervous----" "I'm not overwrought nor nervous!" Lorraine exclaimed. "And neither am I foolish any longer. I _was_ blind _once_, but I'm not blind now. Amherst's gone--and you're substituted." Pendleton looked at him doubtfully--was it hurt pride or just plain jealousy? He could not determine. Stephanie _had_ lost Amherst; but she had come back and Lorraine had denied her--and yet, here he was positively shaking with rage, because he thought he had surprised her in a rendezvous with another man. He had cast her off before all the world, and yet he wanted still to dictate as to what she did! Pendleton glanced at Stephanie; she flashed him a smile, and shook her head not to become involved in a quarrel. "Well, what have you to say?" sputtered Lorraine. "Before I answer," returned Pendleton calmly, "I would like to know by what right you ask?"