He found them sitting by one of the open windows in the large drawing-room.

Mrs.Herrick was working, and Anna was reading to her.
The sun-blinds had just been raised, and the fresh evening air blew refreshingly through the wide room.

The tall green palms behind them made a pleasant background to Anna's white dress.

It struck Malcolm that she looked paler and more tired, and her eyes had a heavy, languid look.

To his surprise Mrs.Herrick spoke of it at once.
"Anna is not looking her best this evening, Malcolm," she said as he sat down between them; "this great heat tries her.