and a little stern. So that when
Betty finally turned to speak to the young man she had a curious
impression that his face was unfamiliar, it wore so different an
expression from any that she had ever seen on it before. Betty had
been conscious of Anthony's presence from the instant of his taking his
place beside her and in failing to recognize him had not deliberately
intended being rude or unkind. At first she had been amazed and a
little chagrined by his presence, for after what she had said to Meg
she had not dreamed of the young man's being included among the guests.
Yet this was Meg's entertainment and not hers, and of course she had no
right to feel or show offense. Only she and John Everett happened to
be having such an interesting talk at the moment of Anthony's
appearance, and assuredly John shared her conviction about the
newcomer! One could be kind to the young fellow of course, without
admitting him within the intimate circle of friendship. And Betty
Ashton, although she would never have confessed it, had always been
greatly influenced by John Everett's opinions and personality. He was
such a big blond giant, older and handsomer and more a man of the world
than any other college fellow in Woodford. She was flattered, too,
because he had never failed on his return for holidays to show her more
attention than any other girl in the village. He might have other
friendships outside of his own home; of this she could know nothing,
but at the present time this thought only made him the more agreeable.
Therefore it was annoying that she might be expected to waste a part of
her evening on a young fellow for whom she felt no personal interest,
only good will. Betty herself was not conscious of the condescension
in her attitude, but why did she find it so difficult to begin a
conversation with the newcomer or even to greet him?

Anthony should at least understand that it was exceedingly ill mannered
of him to keep staring down into his plate when he must have become
aware that she was now ready to talk with him. But what should she say
first? Having failed to notice a person's existence for some time
makes an ordinary "Good evening" appear a bit ridiculous.

"How do you do, Mr. Graham?" Betty began half shyly, putting more
cordiality into her manner than usual in an effort to atone for her
former lack of courtesy.

Then for the briefest space Anthony glanced up at her quietly, his
grave eyes studying he