seven o'clock before
There was one man in the world who towered high above the possibility of deceit ; and between that man and herself was a bond stronger than spoken word . The future seemed full of difficulties , but Claire did not trouble herself about the future . The present was all-absorbing , full of trouble ; full of joy ! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ It was seven o'clock before the last of the guests had departed , and Mrs Fanshawe saw to it that her son was fully engaged until it was time to dress for dinner . Her keen eyes had noticed signs of agitation as the two young people sat together at tea . And what had Erskine been talking about with that tense expression on his face ? And what had happened to the girl that she looked at one moment so radiant , and at the next so cast-down ?