"I'm not. I'm happy.... You know I am.... My heart was very full; that is all.... I don't seem to know how to express myself sometimes.... Perhaps it's because I don't quite dare.... So something gives way.... And this happens--tears. Don't mind them, please.... If I could reach my handkerchief----" She drew the tiny square of sheer stuff from her bosom and rested her closed eyes on it.
"It's silly, isn't it, Garry?... W-when a girl is so heavenly contented.... Is anybody coming?"
She whisked her tears away and sat up swiftly. But Thessa merely called to them that she and Westmore were off for a walk, and passed on through the hall and out through the porch.
"Garry," she murmured, looking away from him.
"May I go to my room and fix my hair? Because Mr. Skeel will be here. Do you mind if I leave you?"
"Of course not, you charming child!" Then, as he looked down at her hand, which he still retained, his expression altered; he inclosed the slender fingers, bent slowly and touched the fragrant palm with his lips.
They were both on their feet the next second; she passing him with a pale, breathless little smile, and swiftly crossing the hall; he dumb, confused by the sudden tumult within him, standing there with one hand holding to the piano as though for support, and looking after the slim, receding figure till it disappeared beyond the library door.
His mother and sister returned from their morning ride, lingered to chat with him, then went away to dress for luncheon. Murtagh Skeel had not yet arrived.
Westmore and Thessalie returned from their walk in the woods by the second lake, reporting a distant view of Barres senior, fishing madly from a canoe.
Dulcie came down and joined them in the library. Later Mrs. Barres and Lee appeared, and luncheon was announced.
Murtagh Skeel had not come to Foreland Farms, and there was no word from him.
Mrs. Barres spoke of his absence during luncheon, for Garry had told her he was coming to talk to Dulcie about her mother, whom he had known very well in Ireland.
Luncheon ended, and the cool north veranda became the popular rendezvous for the afternoon, and later for tea. People from Northbrook drove, rode, or motored up for a cheering cup, and a word or two of gossip. But Skeel did not come.