Hilyard exclaimed with delight at its pretty,
old-fashioned aspect.
"What a delicious place!" she commented, as Ann established her in an easy
chair. "I think I like it better than my Priory. You've some lovely bits of
pewter up there"--nodding towards the tall old chimney-piece, where the
tender moon-grey of ancient pewter mugs and dishes gleamed fitfully against
the panelled wall.
"I'm afraid it isn't ours," acknowledged Ann regretfully. "Though I love
every bit of it. My brother is agent for the Heronsmere estate, and we have
this cottage furnished. Oh, here he is," she added, as Robin entered the
room.
She introduced him to Mrs. Hilyard, who smilingly accounted for her
impromptu visit.
"I feel that I'm imposing on Miss Lovell's good-nature in the most
barefaced fashion," she said apologetically. "But I honestly couldn't
resist the suggestion of a cup of tea."
"I'm very glad you couldn't," replied Robin simply. And something in the
tone of his voice, taken in conjunction with the serious directness of his
regard, made of the short sentence more than a mere empty expression of
politeness.
"I met Brian Tempest and his sister just now," he went on, turning to Ann,
"and asked them to come in to tea, so I expect they'll be here directly.
Pages:
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157