The gentlemen's hats flew off in
greeting, and, as Adrien looked up, an unusual thrill ran through him as
he noted the simple beauty of the girl above him.
"We thought we'd left the sun behind us, Constance, but evidently 'she'
is still overhead," he said, smiling.
She looked down with mock reproof, playfully shaking at him a flower
which she held in her hand.
"I thought compliments were out of date, Adrien. Have you enjoyed your
drive?"
"Not half so much as the welcome," was the courteous reply, as he caught
the rose which she had let fall.
She laughed, and blushed a little, then turned to the other members of
the party, who had now alighted from the car.
"Ah, Lord Standon, I did not know you were coming." Then, as that young
man's face lengthened, she added quickly: "Unexpected pleasures are
always welcome. I am glad to see you, Mr. Paxhorn."
After a word of greeting to Mortimer Shelton, she drew back into her
room; while the men, laughing and chatting, passed into the great hall,
where they found Lord Barminster awaiting them. His stern face softened
into a welcome, as, with outstretched hand, he came forward to greet his
guests.
Pages:
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92