She looked not unlike Esme , with that subtle family resemblance that is quite independent of feature and colouring . Where was Esme ? Selwyn cast his eyes furtively over the assembled guests while the minister read the marriage ceremony . He recognized several of the Graham girls but he did not see Esme , although Tom St. Clair , stout and florid and prosperous-looking , was standing on a chair in a faraway corner , peering over the heads of the women . After the turmoil of handshakings and congratulations , Selwyn fled to the cool , still outdoors , where the rosy glow of Chinese lanterns mingled with the waves of moonshine to make fairyland . And there he met her , as she came out of the house by a side door , a tall , slender woman in some glistening , clinging garment , with white flowers shining like stars in the coils of her brown hair . In the soft glow she looked even more beautiful than in the days of her girlhood , and Selwyn 's heart throbbed dangerously at sight of her . `` Esme ! '' he said involuntarily . She started , and he had an idea that she changed colour , although it was too dim to be sure . `` Selwyn ! '' she exclaimed , putting out her hands . `` Why , Selwyn Grant ! Is it really you ? Or are you such stuff as dreams are made of ? I did not know you were here . I did not know you were home . '' He caught her hands and held them tightly , drawing her a little closer to him , forgetting that she was Tom St. Clair 's wife , remembering only that she was the woman to whom he had given all his love and life 's devotion , to the entire beggaring of his heart . `` I reached home only four hours ago , and was haled straightway here to Leo 's wedding . I 'm dizzy , Esme .
I ca n't adjust my old conceptions XXXXX this new state of affairs all at once .
After although as in on over that to unlike with