two Freshers, who had never before been present at such a gathering, and
felt themselves the cynosure of every eye; but the kindness of host and
hostess soon put them at their ease.

A fair sprinkling of college men were in the room, handing round tea and
cakes to the guests. Dan Vernon greeted Darsie with an illuminating
"Halloa!" and his sister with an even shorter grunt; but it was only
when she was comfortably settled down to tea that Darsie caught sight of
Ralph Percival's fair, close-clipped head at the far side of the table.
He seemed in no hurry to speak to her--a fact duly scored against him in
Miss Darsie's mind, and this indifference served to pique her into a
more vivacious reception of the attentions of his companions.

As Hannah had foretold, her pretty friend held quite a little court as
one man after another strolled up to join the animated group around her
chair. There were two other girls in that group, and a married woman
with a strikingly sweet face, who had been introduced as the sister of
the hostess. Mrs Reeves, as she was called, appeared to be on intimate
terms with the men, and her presence, instead of acting as a restraint,
only added to their enjoyment. Darsie thought that she was a charming
creature, was conscious that she herself was being scrutinised with
special attention, and sincerely hoped that the verdict was favourable.
It was a curious person who did not wish to stand well in Alicia
Reeves's estimation!

Suddenly Ralph Percival edged in at the back of the group, and stationed
himself by Darsie with an air of possession.

"Well, Miss Darsie Garnett, isn't it about time that you had some talk
with me?"

"Quite time!" Darsie's tone was eloquent, and she looked Ralph in the
face with a quiet steadiness, at which he had the grace to blush. He
had been in no hurry to claim acquaintanceship until her social success
was assured; she was fully aware of the fact, but her pique died a rapid
death as she looked closely into the lad's face. Ralph at twenty-two
was as handsome as in his boyhood, handsomer, indeed, but there were
other changes, which the girl's eyes were quick to read; for though we
may keep silence with our tongue, the hand of Time imprints marks upon
our features which are unfailing guides to our spiritual progress or
decline.

For many months past Ralph Vernon had persistently allowed himself to
fall short of his best, slacking in work, overstepping at play,
aba