"Oh, that is nothing! One of the most distinguished men I ever met in my father's house--a gentleman by birth, education and position, a statesman of world-wide renown--was unquestionably the most awkward human being I ever saw in my life. He knew very well how to manage men and nations, but he never knew what to do with his feet and hands: he kept shuffling them about in the most nervous and distracting manner," said Emma Cavendish, in behalf of the stranger.
"Somehow or other that man's face haunts me like a ghost," mused Electra, dreamily.
"So it does me," quickly spoke Emma. "I feel sure that I have met those sad, wistful dark eyes _somewhere_ before."
"I'll tell you both what. Whether you have ever met him before or not, he _thinks_ he has seen you. He seemed to me to be trying to recollect _where_ all the evening," said Laura Lytton, with her air of positiveness.
"Then that might account for his awkwardness and embarrassment," added Emma.
"But he is certainly very handsome," concluded Electra, as she took her candle to retire.
Meanwhile the four gentlemen walked down the street together to a corner, where they bade each other good-night and separated--Dr. Jones and Alden Lytton to walk out to the University, and Mr. Lyle and Victor Hartman to go to their hotel.
"What on earth was the matter with you, Victor?" inquired Mr. Lyle, as they walked on together.
"What?" exclaimed Hartman, under his breath, and stopping short in the street.
"Yes, what! I never saw a man so upset without an adequate cause in all my life."
"Don't let us go into the house yet," said Victor; for they were now before the door of the hotel. "It is only ten o'clock, and a fine night. Take a turn with me down some quiet street, and I will tell you."
"Willingly," agreed Mr. Lyle; and they walked past the hotel and out toward the suburbs of the little town.
"Mr. Lyle, I have seen them both!" exclaimed Victor, when they were out of hearing of every one else.
"Both? Whom have you seen, Hartman?" inquired the minister a little uneasily, as if he feared his companion was not quite sane.
"First, I have seen again the heavenly vision that appeared and dispersed the furies from around me on that dark day when I passed, a condemned criminal, from the Court House to the jail," replied Victor Hartman, with emotion.