Meanwhile William stalked ahead, with his square jaw set and his eyes stormy. He wanted to wring Bernstein’s neck and he could not. It made his hands clench and unclench nervously at his sides. As they neared the door, a tall man rose from a crowded table and greeted Fanchon in French with an effusion that made William halt. Corwin caught his eye and bowed. “Present me to your husband,” he said to Fanchon. She turned with that delicate grace which made her small figure seem so light and buoyant. She had rallied all her forces, all her will. She smiled, her eyes shining dangerously. “William, this is my old friend, Mr. Corwin.” William shook hands stiffly. “We’re just going,” he said shortly. “Good night!” Fanchon laughed, half-apologetic, half-coquettish; but she found herself hurried out into the hall. “Who’s that fellow?” asked William sharply. She was still laughing, half hysterical. “Caraffi’s manager, Aristide Corwin--I’ve known him for ages.” William grunted. “Looks like a Monte Carlo gambler,” he said, and signaled for a taxi. X VIRGINIA bade Lucas stop the horses. The old wagonette was on its way out to Denbigh Crossing, and Daniel Carter had just come in sight. Virginia thought she had never seen him look so pale. “He looks ill, and his limp is bad, too, poor fellow!” she breathed to herself; but she smiled, leaning over the back of the seat to shake hands. “Where have you kept yourself, Dan?” she asked kindly, with the sweetness in her tone that Daniel had come to recognize as pity. “Grandfather has been asking for you.” “I’m afraid he wants the book he lent me,” said Daniel, looking up at her and aware of the softness of her glance. She looked lovely, that same old shade hat looped down and the knot of pink under her chin; but the muslin dress was dotted white Swiss this time, with a little opening at the neck that showed a lovely throat. “I’ll bring it back this week.” “Fie! As if he wanted the old book! We’ve missed you, Dan.” He flushed boyishly and let his eyes dwell upon her. And, for the first time in her life, Virginia blushed consciously under Daniel’s look. “Have you really?” he asked eagerly. “Really and truly!” She nodded at him, smiling. “I should have written you a note about it--invited you to dinner, in fact, if it had not been for our--our concert--” She blushed this time, remembering suddenly that there must have been an earthquake in the Carter house. “I’ve just finished settling up the accounts with Mrs. Payson,” she added hurriedly. “I’m glad it’s over!” There was a ghost of laughter in Daniel’s eyes, but he kept a sober face. “It was a success, then, Virginia?” “Oh, yes! We paid in our full share; no one out of pocket except Mr. Payson. You know, he paid Caraffi. Dan, did you hear Caraffi play?” He shook his head. “I’d rather hear you.”