“That is a better reason why I should go,” and Lois smiled upon her brother.

“And you will go?” Dick was all eagerness now.  “There’s to be a jolly crowd there.  Sammie told me that he has invited a crack-a-jack of an artist he met at the club.  He is an English chap and has been out here only a short time.  He puts out some great stuff in the way of pictures, so I understand.  Then, that Westcote girl is to be there.  My, I’m anxious to meet her.  She is worth while if what I hear about her is true.”

The mention of the Westcote girl gave Lois more interest in the dance than she had hitherto taken.  She did want to see her as well as Dick, for she had often thought about her since she had heard that Jasper had luncheon with her and her father at the Sign of the Maple.  It was unusual for her to take an interest in a stranger.  But this was different, and so she decided to accompany her brother.

Mrs. Dingle was delighted to have Lois at her party, principally on her son’s account.  She had chosen her for Sammie from all the eligible girls she knew, and the idea that Lois might object to becoming Mrs. Sammie Dingle never once entered her mind.  There were financial reasons as well, for was not Peter Sinclair manager and chief owner of the City Light and Power Company?

Lois had not been long in the room, ere she felt herself affected by some unknown influence.  She could not account for this feeling as she had never experienced, anything like it before.  Even when on the floor in the midst of a dreamy waltz, a sense of dread almost overwhelmed her.  A weight seemed suddenly to press upon her heart, as if some terrible disaster were near.  Hers was not a mind to be easily disturbed by such things, and she was not naturally of a superstitious nature.  She tried to shake off the feeling, but all in vain.  What was the cause of it? she asked herself over and over again.

That waltz was the longest she had ever experienced; and most thankful was she when Sammie at last led her off the floor.  As she was about to sit down she happened to glance to her right, and as she did so her eyes met those of a man standing not far away.  Intuitively she realised that there was the source of her strange agitation.  It was only for an instant that their eyes met, but it was long enough for Lois to realise that some subtle influence had come upon her which would affect her whole life.

With as much composure as possible she resumed her seat.  She longed to be alone that she might think it all over, and endeavour to cast off the spell which was depressing her.  She tried to reason it out, but her thoughts were interrupted by Mrs. Dingle who stood suddenly before her.

“Lois, dear,” she heard her say, “I want you to meet my famous guest, Mr. Sydney Bramshaw, the noted English artist, who has favoured us with his presence to-night.  I have been waiting this opportunity ever since you arrived, but could not get you and Sammie separated long enough to do so until now.”