Page:Wildwildheart00reesiala.pdf/22

laughed too, and they all laughed together, and so were very good friends when the gong sounded, and they went in to dinner.

The blinds had been drawn in the dining-room, and the hanging lamp lighted, although outside it was not yet dark. Neither of the men was in evening dress, but Mrs. Holmes wore a vivid yellow gown with a heavy jade necklace, and jade ear-rings. Ann had thought her handsome at first, but now, in the lamplight, her thin cheeks flushed and her dark eyes shining, she looked beautiful.

Before they sat down Ann was introduced.

“Dick, this is Miss Merrill,” and:

“Miss Merrill—Mr. Waring.”

Mr. Waring was “Gerald” apparently to all the family—even to Jo. Ann concluded that he was the man who had been sitting with Mrs. Holmes on the veranda when she arrived, but she was not quite sure whether he was a relative or a friend. He was no longer in riding clothes, and from this Ann imagined that he must be staying in the house. He was good-looking, tall and fair; very sure of himself and amusing in a rather sarcastic, deliberate way. He addressed no remarks to Ann throughout the meal, and she remained silent for the most part; for the conversation dealt chiefly with the coming shearing, the lack of rain, the polo match against Omoana on Saturday afternoon, and the neighbors; and on all of these subjects Ann had no opinions to offer.

Dick Holmes struck her as being indefinite—both in appearance and in manner. He was gentle, shy, and a trifle awkward, but he had kind eyes, and a nice voice, and it was quite evident that the two children adored him.