'Our friend brings interesting news.' Mrs.Westlake walked across the room to the curved window-seat.

Her age could scarcely be more than three- or four-and-twenty; she was very dark, and her face grave almost to melancholy.

Black hair, cut short at its thickest behind her neck, gave exquisite relief to features of the purest Greek type.

In listening to anything that held her attention her eyes grew large, and their dark orbs seemed to dream passionately.

The white swan's down at her throat--she was perfectly attired--made the skin above resemble rich-hued marble, and indeed to gaze at her long was to be impressed as by the sad loveliness of a supreme work of art.