The tall clock ticked loud.
There came the sound of laughter from the passage outside.

The hall door opened.

A moment later, Caroline, followed by her brother and young Dunn, entered the library.
The girl's cheeks were rosy from the cold wind.

Her hair, beneath the fur auto cap, had blown in brown, rippled disorder across her forehead.
She was smiling.
"Oh, Mrs.Dunn!" she cried.

"I'm so glad I accepted your--Malcolm's--invitation.