Happily, the clock on the mantelpiece pointed towards noon.

And at this moment there sounded voices within the house, followed by a tap at the study door which opened, admitting Mrs.Pomfret.The lady advanced with hospitable greeting; homely of look and speech, she had caught her husband's smile, and something of his manner--testimony to the happiness of a long wedded life.

Behind her came the figure of youth and grace which Warburton's eyes expected; very little changed since he last saw it, in the Valley of Trient, Warburton was conscious of an impression that the young lady saw him again with pleasure.

In a minute or two, Mrs.
Pomfret and her niece had left the room, but Warburton still saw those pure, pale features, the emotional eyes and lips, the slight droop of the head to one side.

Far indeed--so he said within himself--from his ideal; but, he easily understood, strong in seductiveness for such a man as Franks, whom the old passion had evidently left lukewarm in his thought of other women.
The bell gave a welcome summons to lunch--or dinner, as it was called in this household of simple traditions.