The words of the introduction had been “My niece Mirrie Field.” Old Jonathan’s smile had been practically a doting one. Distant cousin’s daughter my foot-if she didn’t finish up co-heiress with the real niece, he was a Dutchman! The eyes alone with their look of trusting appeal could have done the trick hands down, but the eyes plus the curls, that little round soft face, and the mouth with its suggestion of a childish pout made a certainty of it. He wondered what the mouth was pouting for. Sweets, kisses, or anything else that came its way?

Anthony Hallam said,

“Is that the new rig-out? It’s very successful. I suppose Georgina was helping you to dress.”

She sparkled at him for a moment, and then the lashes drooped. A very small foot drew circles on the polished floor.

“Well-no-I had things to do and I didn’t get them finished, so I had to ask Georgina. She’s so good, but I’m afraid she was vexed. I mean, she’s so good about everything herself, and I haven’t had a lot of practice, but I didn’t -oh, I really didn’t mean to make her late.” Her voice trembled a little and the eyes were raised again.

But Anthony Hallam had turned and was looking past her and across the hall. He said, “Oh, well, she’s coming now,” and just as the lobby door opened to admit the first of the guests Georgina Grey came into sight at the head of the stairs and began to descend them.

A late entrance is nearly always an effective one. Frank wondered a little cynically whether she had planned it. But if she had, there was a flaw in the timing. Guests were streaming into the hall, old Jonathan was greeting them, and the new-found niece was being brought forward with a hand on her shoulder to be presented in the most affectionate manner. Only Frank himself and Anthony Hallam had the leisure to watch Georgina come down the stairs.

She was worth watching too, and it was evident that Anthony thought so. Frank saw a tall girl in a silver dress-a tall fair girl with a lovely figure and pale gold hair.