The expression of innocence and inquiry which they so easily assumed, was disturbed by a faint suggestion of aversion, almost of terror.

She settled herself in her place, in the corner of the hall, in the rear rank of chairs, a little frightened by the glare of lights, the hum of talk and the shifting crowd, glad to be out of the way, to attract no attention, willing to obliterate herself.
All at once Annixter, who had just shaken hands with Dyke, his mother and the little tad, moved abruptly in his place, drawing in his breath sharply.

The crowd around the great, wide-open main door of the barn had somewhat thinned out and in the few groups that still remained there he had suddenly recognised Mr.and Mrs.Tree and Hilma, making their way towards some empty seats near the entrance of the feed room.
In the dusky light of the barn earlier in the evening, Annixter had not been able to see Hilma plainly.

Now, however, as she passed before his eyes in the glittering radiance of the lamps and lanterns, he caught his breath in astonishment.

Never had she appeared more beautiful in his eyes.