e first to greet him, and she did so in the motherly
fashion that was her own. And as she spoke Viola came forward, said some
simple word, and went back to her former place.

"Come with me," said Mrs. Raritan, and she led him to an S in
upholstery, in which they both found seats. "And now tell me about
yourself," she added. "And where have you been?"

Truly it was pitiful. She looked ten years older. From a handsome,
well-preserved woman she had in a twelvemonth been overtaken by age.

"I have been in Europe, you know," Tristrem answered; "I wrote to you
from Vienna, and again from Rome."

"I am sorry," Mrs. Raritan replied; "the bankers are so negligent. There
were many letters that must have gone astray. Were you--you had a
pleasant winter, of course. And how is your grandfather?"

"I have not seen him. I am just off the ship."

At this announcement Mrs. Weldon looked perplexed.

"Is it possible that you only arrived this evening?" she asked.

"Yes, I wanted to see Viola. You know it is almost a year
since--since--I tried to find you both in Europe, but----"

"Mr. Varick, did I hear you say that you arrived from Europe to-day?" It
was the gentleman who devoted himself to the interests of society that
was speaking.

"Yes, I came on the Bourgogne."

"Was Mrs. Manhattan on board?"

Tristrem answered that she was, and then the gentleman in question
entered into an elaborate discourse on the subject of Mrs. Manhattan's
summer plans. While he was still speaking a servant informed the
vaporous maiden that her maid and carriage had arrived, and presently
that young lady left the room. Soon after the society agent disappeared,
and a little later the youth that had been conversing with Miss Raritan
took his splendor away.

As yet Tristrem had had no opportunity of exchanging a word with Viola.
To his hostess he had talked with feverish animation on the subject of
nothing at all; but as the adolescent who had been engaging Viola's
attention came to Mrs. Raritan to bid that lady good-night, Tristrem
left the upholstered S and crossed the room to where the girl was
seated.

"Viola," he began, but she stayed his speech with a gesture.

The young man was leaving the room, and it was evident from Mrs.
Raritan's attitude that it was her intention to leave it also.

"I am tired," that lady said, as the front door closed; "you won't
mind?" And Tristrem, who had arisen when he saw her standing, went
forward and bowed