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 He was devoted, almost tender, and did not seem in the least desirous of masking his infatuation for his companion. She was looking her best—and knew it. Her blonde hair shone softly under a velvet hat with curling plume. Her color was high, her eyes brilliant, she exhaled a perfume of violets and elegant femininity. In her triumphal progress she approached Victoria, who nodded pleasantly. She at once disengaged herself from the tentacles of the editor of The Voice, and having recognized Mrs. Durham, precipitated herself upon Victoria—introductions followed, and the authoress found herself metaphorically clasped to the breast of her "constant reader."

Meanwhile, Valdeck having become separated from Philippa in the latter's dash for the divan, was looking about eagerly in search of her. The crowd was so great that the low seat in the corner was almost constantly obscured from his view, and it is doubtful whether he would have discovered where she was, had he not become conscious of being stared at by some one. He shifted uneasily with the uncanny sensation, and looking in the direction of the annoyance, he caught sight 114