I felt a thrill of proprietary pride as I stepped out from behind the palms . She was talking to Aunt Grace ; but her eyes fell on me . I expected a little start of recognition , for I had sent her an excellent photograph of myself ; but her gaze was one of blankest unconsciousness . I felt something like disappointment at her non-recognition , but I consoled myself by the reflection that people often fail to recognize other people whom they have seen only in photographs , no matter how good the likeness may be . I waylaid Edna , who was passing at that time , and said , `` Edna I want you to introduce me to the girl who is talking to your mother . '' Edna laughed . `` So you have succumbed at first sight to our Croyden beauty ? Of course I 'll introduce you , but I warn you beforehand that she is the most incorrigible flirt in Croyden or out of it . So take care . '' It jarred on me to hear Marian called a flirt . It seemed so out of keeping with her letters and the womanly delicacy and fineness revealed in them . But I reflected that women sometimes find it hard to forgive another woman who absorbs more than her share of lovers , and generally take their revenge by dubbing her a flirt , whether she deserves the name or not . We had crossed the room during this reflection . Marian turned and stood before us , smiling at Edna , but evincing no recognition whatever of myself . It is a piquant experience to find yourself awaiting an introduction to a girl to whom you are virtually engaged . `` Dorothy dear , '' said Edna , `` this is my cousin , Mr. Curtis , from Vancouver . Eric , this is Miss Armstrong . '' I suppose I bowed . Habit carries us mechanically through many impossible situations . I do n't know what I looked like or what I said , if I said anything .
I do n't suppose I betrayed my dire confusion , for Edna went off unconcernedly without another glance XXXXX me .
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