They were all sketches of the veld, high and low; of natives; of bits of Dutch architecture; of the stoep with its Boer farmer and his vrouw; of a kopje with a dozen horses or a herd of cattle grazing; of a spruit, or a Kaffir's kraal; of oxen leaning against the disselboom of a cape-wagon; of a herd of steinboks, or a little colony of meerkats in the karoo.
Her hand went to her heart with a gesture of pain, and a little cry of misery escaped her lips.
Now there was a quick footstep, and Byng entered with a cordial smile and an outstretched hand.
"Well, this is a friendly way to begin the New Year," he said, cheerily, taking her hand.

"You certainly are none the worse for our little unrehearsed drama the other night.

I see by the papers that you have been repeating your triumph.

Please sit down.

Do you mind my having a little toast while we talk?
I always have my petit dejeuner here; and I'm late this morning." "You look very tired," she said as she sat down.
Krool here entered with a tray, placing it on a small table by the big desk.