Rather to Ann's surprise he consented,
and, in spite of his assertion, earlier on, that he "preferred his own
company," he seemed thoroughly to enjoy the little home-like _diner a
trois_. There was something about the cosy room and the gay, good-humoured
chaff and laughter of brother and sister which conveyed a sense of
welcome--partaking of that truest kind of hospitality which creates no
special atmosphere of ceremony for a guest but encompasses him with a
frank, informal friendliness.
Perhaps, as Maria moved briskly in and out, changing the plates and dishes,
and not forbearing to smile benignly upon her young master and mistress if
she chanced to catch the eye of one or other of them, some swift perception
of the pleasant, simple homeliness of it all woke Eliot to comparisons, for
just as he was leaving he said with characteristic abruptness:
"Thank you both immensely. To-night's been a great contrast to my usual
evenings in that great empty barrack of a dining-room at Heronsmere."
Unconsciously he spoke out of a great loneliness, and Ann's heart ached for
this supremely hurt and bitter soul which sought security from further hurt
behind the iron barriers of a self-imposed reserve and solitude.
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