She was also in white,
but without any ornament, except a solitary diamond star which blazed
in the rich coils of her hair. The beautiful Miss Oliphant was
received with enthusiasm. Until her arrival Rose had been the
undoubted belle of the evening, but beside Maggie the petite charms
which Rose possessed sank out of sight. Maggie herself never felt less
conscious of beauty; the heaviness of her heart made her cheeks look
pale and gave her brown eyes a languid expression; she was indifferent
to the admiration which greeted her. The admiration which greeted her
gave her a momentary feeling of surprise-- almost of displeasure.
Meta Elliot-Smith and her mother buzzed round Maggie and expressed
their gratitude to her for coming.
"We expect a friend of yours to arrive presently," said Meta-- "Mr.
Hammond. You know Mr. Hammond, don't you? I have had a note from him.
He says he will look in as soon after ten as possible. I am so glad; I
was dreadfully afraid he couldn't come, for he had to go suddenly into
the country at the beginning of this week. You know Mr. Hammond very
well, don't you, Miss Oliphant?"
"Yes," replied Maggie in her careless voice; "he is quite an old
friend of mine."
"You will be glad to see him?"
"Very glad.
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