Introduction

A queer, unexpected streak of sunshine, which by some miracle had found its way through a pall of clouds and low-hanging mist, suddenly fell as though exhausted across the asphalt path of the Embankment Gardens.

A tall, gaunt young man, who had been seated with folded arms in the corner of one of the seats, stared at it as though bewildered. His eyes suddenly met those of a young lady in deep black, who was gazing about her in similar stupefaction.

Almost at once, and with perfect spontaneity, she smiled upon him...