Julie smiled back at her and flushed warmly. She felt strangely shy in the presence of this beautiful, composed woman, with the sweet voice and easy manner, and the so distressingly familiar name. But the owner of the familiar name looked gracious, and--Julie could not but notice it-- sad, despite the ready smile. The girlish heart went out to her unquestioningly, recognising instinctively a common bond. She did not know why the lovely sun-flecked eyes held shadows, she only saw that the shadows were there, and felt drawn towards their owner in consequence. Her shyness left her suddenly. She drew her hand from Teddy Bolitho's arm, and shielded the other woman's body with two young, vigorous arms. "You shall not be damaged this time," she said, and laughed. Mrs Lawless laughed with her. "What a valiant champion you make," she said. "Trust a woman to protect a woman in any serious crisis." And then the press suddenly ceased. Julie's arms fell to her side, and with a further smile of friendship and understanding, Mrs Lawless passed on with her companion. "Who is that girl?" she inquired as they passed through into the ball-room. She was not dancing. She had merely come for an hour to look on; and she chose a seat not too far away from the exit, so that she could make her escape without inconvenience as soon as she desired. Van Bleit sat down beside her, and, following his customary tactics, sought by his impressive manner to draw attention to themselves. He was usually a daring wooer, but Mrs Lawless so baffled him that he was forced to resort to more insidious methods. "The girl who embraced you? ... That's Miss Julie Weeber... Quite a nice little thing. Not exactly in your set, you know." She regarded him strangely. "And the boy she was with?" Van Bleit laughed. "Oh! that's Bolitho, her faithful squire. He's clerk in a wool-store. Miss Weeber has slighted him of late, but he's in favour again apparently. She'd be well advised to stick to him." "I like the look of him," said Mrs Lawless slowly, "and I like her. I shall cultivate the acquaintance. If I were to remain so long, couldn't you manage that we sat together at supper?" Van Bleit would have contrived anything to have kept her longer at the dance. When she left it would be for home, he knew; and it was never permitted him to accompany her on the homeward drive. He had several times suggested doing so, but he had always met with the same pleasant but firm refusal. It was a surprise for Julie to find herself _tete-a-tete_ with the beautiful Mrs Lawless at supper. Van Bleit so managed matters that it appeared wholly accidental when he and his companion took the vacant seats opposite herself and young Bolitho, and he exerted himself to an unusual degree to make the meal a success. Julie was astonished at the fun she was getting out of the evening.