"Ah, happy boy!" the old man commented. "You must sit down—you must have some tea," he observed to his wife＇s niece.
"They gave me some tea in my room the moment I got there," this young lady answered. "I＇m sorry you＇re out of health," she added, resting her eyes upon her venerable host.
"Oh, I＇m an old man, my dear; it＇s time for me to be old. But I shall be the better for having you here."
She had been looking all round her again—at the lawn, the great trees, the reedy, silvery Thames,the beautiful old house; and while engaged in this survey she had made room in it for her companions; a comprehensiveness of observation easily conceivable on the part of a young woman who was evidently both intelligent and excited. She had seated herself and had put away the little dog; her white hands, in her lap, were folded upon her black dress; her head was erect, her eye lighted, her flexible figure turned itself easily this way and that, in sympathy with the alertness with which she evidently caught impressions.Her impressions were numerous, and they were all reflected in a clear, still smile. "I＇ve never seen anything so beautiful as this."