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 walked over to Dean Sandager. The latter taking the young man by the arm drew him into the group beside him, smiling. "You've met my friends?" Dean Sandager asked bowing toward those standing with him. Bennet smiled as a young man and two young women greeted him with outstretched hand, at the same time exclaiming, "hello, Bennet" the girls merely nodded.

"Oh, yes, we've met," Bennet laughingly shook hands.

One of the young women of the group stood partially facing another group with whom she was speaking. She heard the voice of the newcomer and instinctively turned.

As she did so her eyes met those of Bennet. Both were unguarded in their meeting. A vivid crimson colored Lida Lauriston's face for an instant then she blanched as her eyes drooped. Bennet almost gasped in his surprise, the smile waning on his face. There was an awkward stillness for a moment. One of the young ladies in the group, however, turned to Bennet, with:

"Miss Lauriston, I don't believe you've met Mr. Bennet. Miss Lauriston, Mr. Bennet."

Bennet's head was in a whirl. Embarrassment overcame him. He stammered and struggled to master himself. He wanted to extend his hand but resisted. Lida was flustered herself at the surprise of the meeting so suddenly with the man over whom she had often dreamed. The situation was fast becoming awkward when the young woman who spoke first added:

"Miss Lauriston is new here. I'm sure you've never met.—She's here at Miss Gregory's for the first year."