Elizabeth followed the butler and took Mrs.
Gaddesden's hand.
'My train was late. I hope you've not waited tea?'
'Why, of course we have,' said the Squire's voice. 'Forest!--tea at
once.'
Elizabeth, not having perceived his approach in the dimness of the
February twilight, turned with a start to greet the Squire. He
looked, to her eyes, lankier and thinner and queerer than ever. But
it was a distinguished queerness. Elizabeth had forgotten that the
brow and eyes were so fine, and the hair so glistening white. The
large nose and small captious chin passed unnoticed. She was
astonished at her own throb of pleasure in seeing her employer
again.
His pleasure was boisterously evident, though presently he showed it
in his usual way by attacking her. But first Mrs. Gaddesden made the
proper enquiries after Elizabeth's invalid mother.
Elizabeth, looking extremely tired as she sat by the fire, in the
chair which the Squire--most unwonted attention!--had drawn up for
her, said that her mother was better, and volunteered nothing
further.
Pages:
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344